James Ray Taylor, Sr was born on Thursday, February 27, 1964 in Montgomery, LA to the parentage of Lena Taylor Samuel and A.L. Simmons. James had a lively childhood in Montgomery until the age of 13, when he along with his Mother and two sisters were moved to Las Vegas, NV.
He was baptized at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at an early age. He attended Verda Elementary School and J. W. Gaines Junior High School in Louisiana. Upon moving to Las Vegas, he attended R.O. Gibson and Roy Martin Middle Schools. James left school at the age of 15. He then used his natural skills and determination to pursue his passion for mechanics, repairing things and helping people. James began his life-long career of working in varies entities of the Housing Authority immediately after leaving school, working his way up from general maintenance to Property Manager at both the City of Las Vegas Housing Authority and later Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. In his 34-year career he was afforded the opportunity to extend his educational progress through many undergraduate courses related to his work responsibilities. James excelled in each area and was frequently relied upon by others for assistance. He retired from SNRHA in 2014 leaving behind many co-workers, friends, and acquaintances whom continued to stay in contact with him.
Though he was one of the youngest of 19 children, many of his other siblings considered him their little “Big’ brother because he always looked out for everyone. He was an adamant sports fan and genuine people person who could often be seen watching football or being the life of the party. James touched many lives as he showered kindness, a profound sense of humor and a helping hand to everyone from blood relatives, to close friends, to neighbors, to strangers on the street.
James Ray Taylor Sr, age 54, departed this life on Saturday, May 12, 2018. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Lena Muriel Taylor Samuel; his Father, A.L. Simmons; and his brother Aubrey Lee “Bobo” Simmons.
James will be missed by all who knew, loved and respected him. Left to treasure his memories are; his wife, Coretta Bell-Taylor; his children, James Ray Taylor Jr, Christopher Taylor, Italy Taylor, and Jazzmon Taylor; his siblings, Earsel Simmons of Los Angeles, CA, Ann Allen of Riverside, CA, Margaret Johnson of Boca Raton, FL, Christopher Simmons of Las Vegas, NV, Elater Nobles of Las Vegas, NV, Caldonia Nobles of St Maurice, LA, Willis Simmons of Louisiana, Wilbur Simmons of Columbus, GA, J.D. Samuel Jr and Frank Samuel, Sr of St Maurice, LA, Terry Samuel, Edna Samuel, Myrtis Marshall, and Glenda Harris of Las Vegas, NV, Barbara Johnson of Monroe, LA, Alvin Simmons and Delores Simmons of Houston, TX, Rosa Simmons of Campti, LA; stepbrother, Leo Brown of Houston, TX and stepsister, Shirley Brown of Montgomery, LA; his mother-in-law, Callie Bell; sisters-in-law, Patricia Simmons of Columbus, GA, Lorene Samuel of Las Vegas, NV, Mary Samuel of St. Maurice, LA, Loretta Bell, Renee Chatman and Pam Simmons of Las Vegas, NV; brothers-in-law, Verdis Allen of Riverside, CA, Mack Johnson of Boca Raton, FL, Donald Marshall and Stanley Harris of Las Vegas, NV, Herman Bell and J.D. Bell of Monroe, LA, Daniel Bell, Davis “Shorty Mack” Bell and David Bell of Las Vegas, NV; special friend, Lee “Pops” Mason; three uncles, Odell Taylor, J.D. Taylor, and Charles McHenry; one aunt, Oscarene Whatley; and a host of grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.
No time to cry. Don’t shed a Tear. I am with God. In spirit I am hear.
I kept the Faith. My Spirit is Light. I am at peace now.
I Fought the Good Fight
