James Chessor Taft was born December 13, 1931, passed away on September 5, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Doris R. Taft, son Mark S. Taft by his previous marriage, stepdaughter Donna (Dale) Turner and their son Daniel Upchurch, grandson Derek S. Taft, niece Sheryl D. Taft, and nephews James W. and David Taft. He is preceded in death by parents James M. Taft and Aloise Herndon Taft, and brothers Norman H. and Paul T. Taft. He graduated from Franklin High School, served in the Air Force from 1951-1954 before attending and graduating from MTSU and Vanderbilt University. He was employed by U.S. Tobacco Company as Director of Development before retiring in 1991. Family and friends will gather for a visitation at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home on Monday, September 8, 2014 from two to four o’clock in the afternoon with memorial service immediately following at four. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society may be made.
