Nancy Taylor was appointed to the Honaker Town Council following the passing of her husband James (Big Jim) Taylor. She is now running for a term of her own.
“I am a lifelong resident of the Honaker community and a 1969 graduate of Honaker High School,” Taylor said. “I continued my education with Bristol Business College and at Southwest Virginia Community College. During my working career I have filled retail, clerical, and educational positions in our local and surrounding area.”
Nancy and Jim were married in 1970 and had four children. “Our children grew up learning and developing through the benefits of a small-town atmosphere,” she said. “We are truly blessed that our children and their families live close by and are able to visit often to participate in and enjoy many hometown activities.”
Taylor added, “It has been my pleasure to be active in school, church, community activities and events giving myself and our family a great sense of community values and spirit. I appreciate my town and the people who give of their time, energy and support to provide a safe community and a strong town.”
Taylor spoke of one of her late husband’s favorite events, the Honaker Kids Fishing Day.
“My husband, Jim Taylor, served on the Honaker Town Council this current three-year term,” she explained. “Before he made the decision to run for council he began working with Kids Fishing Day, an annual event that Councilman Scott McGlothlin had vision for. Kids Fishing Day was a tremendous success from the very first day. This event is a totally free activity for all children from babies through the age of 15. Areas are set up for each age group and each child receives free food, fishing gear, opportunity and assistance with catching trout, and opportunities to win door prizes and engage with nature.
“It is especially inspiring to see the kids 16 and up return to help with the younger ones. That is a result of what is poured into them from their community as this event is supported by local volunteers and donations.”
She went on to say, “Kids Fishing Day always brought Jim such joy to see the children’s excitement as they caught ‘the big one’. He would say every year, ‘This was the best day Honaker has ever had!’. He loved every minute from seeing the fish go in the water, the setup, preparation of food, the children, down to the door prizes. You could guarantee that on fishing day you would always find him at the fish cleaning station. He was helping clean, fillet, and package the children’s catch of the day.
“This year in March, Jim made Heaven his home before Kids Fishing Day arrived in May. Our family asked family and friends to make donations to this event in lieu of flowers so his support could continue. Because Jim so loved and cherished this event, this year was in his memory. Our family and I are most proud and appreciative of our town’s recognition in honoring Jim in a way that brought so much joy and happiness to him as well as many others. It has been my joy to see my children work alongside their Dad and others in support of this special event.”
Taylor went on to say, “We have had the pleasure of watching our first grandson and granddaughter participate in Kids Fishing Day for many years, then transitioning to volunteering to work, and recently to assisting our youngest grandson and others as they joined the tradition.”
Taylor said if elected, she will continue to support Kids Fishing Day. “Jim and I have supported Kids Fishing Day for years and will continue to do so for many more to come,” she said.
She added, “Completing Jim’s term has been a rewarding learning experience for me. If elected to serve an upcoming term, I will continue to support our town projects and events while looking forward to new ways to grow a strong community. As this time has been a learning experience for myself, it would be my passion to see the people in our town become more involved in participation and knowledge of the process of handling these opportunities and issues as they arise in our town.”
Cooperation is the key to building a stronger Honaker, Taylor said.
“A strong and thriving community is built by people working together with a shared commitment to its future,” she said. “Understanding, cooperation, and courtesy create the foundation for a town where residents, businesses, and community organizations can grow and prosper together.”
Taylor added, “It truly takes a village—each of us playing a role in encouraging local business, supporting economic development, and creating opportunities for continued growth. At the same time, responsible growth means preserving the unique character, values, and integrity that make our community a special place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Taylor said listening to and supporting one another will create common goals and that produces economic opportunity and something else as well. “We build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community for everyone,” she said. “Our community’s future is a shared responsibility, and together, we can strengthen what we have, embrace meaningful growth, and protect what makes our town truly unique.”
She said the system of checks and balances protects the integrity of government. “These established processes must be followed to ensure that the town’s affairs are conducted responsibly, transparently, and effectively,” she said. “By adhering to the ordinances and laws in place, the town can maintain structure, promote stability, and support the well-being of its community.”
Taylor said Honaker’s economy is a significant concern. “Just as households must learn to manage their resources wisely and operate within a budget, towns must also make responsible financial decisions that support long-term stability and growth,” she said.
“By working together in unity, understanding our shared responsibilities, and supporting one another; we can overcome obstacles and the pressures of daily life while building a stronger, more resilient community—one we can all be proud of,” Taylor added. “When questions or concerns arise, we should seek understanding, gain knowledge, and stay informed before criticizing or placing blame. Through open communication and cooperation, we can help our community move forward with confidence and purpose.”
Taylor vowed, “If elected to serve our town, I will strive to treat every person with the same respect, fairness, and consideration I would want for myself. I am committed to serving with compassion, integrity, and transparency while helping guide informed decisions that reflect the needs and best interests of our town and community.”
She concluded, “I would be honored to receive your support in the November 2026 town election. With a grateful heart and a sincere desire to serve, I thank you for your confidence and consideration.”
