Jacob Tyler Balkind

Jacob Tyler Balkind, 30 Johnson City passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at his residence after a short illness. Tyler was born on the 23rd day of April, 1992 in Spartanburg, SC to Joshua and Marci Balkind. He attended Chapman High School in Inman, SC and graduated from Connections Academy in 2011. Tyler was an accomplished guitar picker and played professionally in a Bluegrass Band called “High Cotton Sky” from 2008 to 2010. He loved Bluegrass but was not limited to only one kind of music, Rap and Jazz were also among his favorites. No one who met Tyler could ignore his infectious passion for music, fishing, football and basketball. He was a gentle spirit who had such a heart for the elderly, children and animals. What Tyler loved most and had the most passion for was his family. He counted himself so blessed when Laura and her 2 boys came into his life. Then Koby came along and made his life complete. Tyler was a great dad to all three of his boys and was not afraid to let anyone know that he loved Laura unconditionally with all his heart. When Tyler was a little boy and something frightened him or made him nervous, he would always grab his little chest and say “Hold my heart God, please hold my heart. We thank our Lord Jesus Christ that we know he has prepared a place for Tyler in Heaven and that he returned for him on Friday, December 30, 2022. Tyler was preceded in death by a brother, Jordan “Trevor” Balkind also his “Nanny”, Susan Smith. Survivors in addition to his parents include his fiancé, Laura Elkins; his step-sons, Silas and Ezra; his son, Jakoby Balkind; also his memaw, Jeannie Clark. A Celebration of Life service for Tyler will be conducted Sunday, January 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until the service hour. Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Arrangements by Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. 423-928-2245Read Obituary