James Westley (J.W.) “Buddy” Taylor, 72, went to be with the Lord on March 14, 2019. J.W. proudly served his nation for five years in the U.S. Army. His first unit in Vietnam was with the 175th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) (1968) under the 1st Aviation Brigade’s 164th Combat Aviation Group, 13th Combat Aviation Battalion. He served as a Pilot until his tour ended in 1969. He continued to serve under the 82nd Aviation Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division as an Instructor and Test Pilot until he was honorably discharged in 1972.
J.W. had a strong passion for history, and teaching young adults to read. He also brought many conflicting souls to God; teaching everyone he met that God is a forgiving, merciful, and gracious being.
J.W. was preceded in death by his father, Walter, his mother, Shirley, and his brother, Rodney. He is survived by his half-brother Frederick, and his stepsister Evelyn, as well as his spiritual wife, Lydia, daughter Rebecca, son-in-law, Chris and two grandchildren. J.W. had a loving extensive family of cousins, a niece, and a nephew.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Virginia Beach Blvd at 12 o’clock p.m.
J.W. was a receiver of K-9 therapy for several years. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made on his behalf to K-9 Caring Angels (https://k-9caringangels.org/donate-1).
