Doctor James Lane Taylor

James, also known as Jim, was born on August 12, 1944, in Dothan, Alabama, to Sybil Lane Taylor and James Carter Taylor. Jim was the epitome of intelligence, reason, generosity, humility, integrity, compassion, and honesty from the day he was born. A lifelong fan of the arts, his story can be divided into four movements, like a symphony gifted to the world by one of history’s most influential composers. In the first movement, he grew up in Dothan, and became a local legend for his achievements in and out of school. Jim was an Eagle Scout and his success in the classroom was noted by Dothan High School teachers for two decades after he graduated. Jim also met his future wife, Sandra Sue Bethea, while in Dothan. His second movement begins with a multitude of honors, including a scholarship to the prestigious Columbia University. He went on to earn a medical degree from Columbia and began his 52-year marriage with his high school sweetheart. Jim and Sandra began raising a family during his third movement. Their first son, Jay, was born in New York. Sara was born in Louisiana while Jim served in the Air Force and Josh was born in Birmingham after Jim began his career as a clinical cardiologist and professor at UAB. Jim may have saved his best for last, ending his score by being the greatest Granddaddy imaginable while still offering his sage wisdom to his kids. Jim is survived by his children Jay Taylor (Amy), Sara Taylor (Sam Dillashaw), Josh Taylor (Liz), and seven grandchildren, Brady, Scarlett, Samantha, Taylor, Sara Katherine, Isabelle, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his brother Farrest Taylor (Elaine), sister Jane Kelly (Jerry), nephews, nieces, and many other family members. His wife Sandra Bethea Taylor, his parents, and a granddaughter predeceased him. Donations can be made in Jim’s name to Valley Christian Church, the Sierra Club of Alabama, 90.3 WBHM, or the Jimmie Hale Mission. Friends are invited to join the family for visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Valley Christian Church, 2600 Cherokee Place, Mountain Brook, AL 35216. A funeral service in celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Valley Christian Church. A graveside service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.