James Willie Taylor

James Willie Taylor was born in Memphis, Tennessee on October 15, 1934 to the union of Jesse Frederick Taylor, Sr. and Grace Stanley. He and his older brother, Jesse Frederick Taylor, Jr. joined their parents in Phoenix, Arizona in May 1942. Both of his parents and brother preceded him in death. He graduated from Wilson Elementary School, Carver High School and received a degree in Accounting from Arizona State University. James was on active duty with the United States Army from June 1957 to June 1959 and was in the active Army Reserves through June 1961. He worked in the frozen food industry and also the printing trade. Starting in January 1970, he was a member of the audit section of the Arizona Department of Transportation as a Revenue Field Auditor, Audit Manager and Senior Revenue Field Auditor until his retirement in January 2006. James was a sports enthusiast; he especially loved football and baseball. He attended Arizona State University football games since 1957 to 2007 as a season ticket holder! He met Mar Louise Everett in September 1956; fell in love and married her on March 2, 1957. Three children, Elgin Jay, Sheri Evette and Sharilyn Kay blessed this union. Although he was not a deeply religious person, James did believe there is a God who blessed him with a magnificent wife, wonderful children, great relatives, great friends and great co-workers. His parents were very involved in the church, which is where James developed his religious foundation. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mar Louise, and children; Elgin (Breonne) Taylor, Sheri Taylor and Sharilyn Taylor, six grandchildren; Elgin Taylor, Jr., Alexandria Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Charquyndelyn Taylor, Jayden Taylor and Akeem Gamble and four great grandchildren; Rayemoni Springs, Zamya Gamble, Alexander Taylor-Jackson and Amena Black.