Mr. James Kirby Taylor

GRAPEVINE – Longtime Grapevine resident James Kirby Taylor, 78, passed away January 6th at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center - Grapevine. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Susan (Chesser) Taylor; his son, James Bryan Taylor; his daughter, Ashley (Taylor) Ginzburg; and his son-in-law, Dmitry Ginzburg. After being gifted three beautiful granddaughters, Averille Taylor (20), Simone Taylor (14), and Emerson Ginzburg (5); he was overjoyed to welcome two grandsons to carry on the Taylor tradition: Everett Ginzburg (3) and Sawyer Ginzburg (5 months).

Kirby was preceded in death by his parents and beloved daughter, Lisa (Taylor) Cooley.

Kirby was born April 13, 1941 in Huttig, Arkansas to James Kirby Taylor Sr. and Marguerite (Boyett) Taylor. After graduating from Huttig High School in 1958, he received his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1962.

He went on to become a pioneering figure in the field of FLIR/night vision technology for military applications. He successfully deployed the first generation FLIR system in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Throughout his career, he was involved in many military programs, most notably the deployment of FLIR technology on the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter prior to the first Gulf War.

Among his favorite pastimes, Kirby treasured fly fishing, camping, and traveling the world; his most treasured adventures including trips to Scotland, Costa Rica, Canada and Alaska.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 10th at The Village Church – Highland Village campus, located at 1700 Highland Village Rd., Highland Village, TX, 75077.

Memorial donations can be made in Kirby’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.com).