James Henry Taylor JR. was a Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Friend to all he met. Jim passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2021 loved by his entire family. He is mourned by many and always will be remembered by those he left behind. He is welcomed with love by those who have gone before him. There is sadness on earth but joy in the heavens.
Jim was born on September 25, 1933 to James Henry Taylor Sr, and Faye Eddy Taylor in Rainier, Washington. He attended schools in Rainier, Hood Canal, Shelton and Hoquiam where he met the love of his life, Donna. Jim and Donna started dating 3 years before marrying in July, 1952.
Jim always served others. Whether as an educator, in the army or through sports, Jim was giving back to the community to make it a better place. While in community college and army reserves, Jim volunteered for regular army duties and was sent to Korea in 1953, and Japan in 1954. Jim returned home in October, 1954 to continue his career in Education. Jim attended college at Grays Harbor Community College and Western Washington University. Jim also attended Oregon State University where he received his Master’s Degree in Education. After graduating from WWU, Jim became Principal at Adna High School, then continued his profession in education in Edmonds, Director of Vocational Education at the Washington State OSPI and Tumwater High School as Vocational Director.
One of Jim’s proudest accomplishments was the developing and building of the New Market Skill Center in Tumwater in 1986. He was instrumental in opening the doors of New Market that thousands of students have walked through to receive vocational education to this day, including his own family. He worked as the director until his retirement in 1996. He also was a consultant on the opening of other Skill Centers around the State of Washington.
One of Jim’s greatest joys in life was attending sporting activities of his children and grandchildren. An avid baseball fan, to his last summer he would keep score in the stands and often had an opinion for the umpires to consider. He spent many years coaching his sons and others. As a lifelong educator, Jim understood the importance of education-based athletics. He spent most of his life playing, coaching and watching sports. He played baseball and football at Hoquiam High School. He was a Mariner’s fan to the bone.
Jim is survived by his loving Wife, Donna of 68 years, daughter Leslie, sons Len and Steve (Suzy), grandchildren; J.R., Steven, Cecily, Dani, Stefi, and Gabe, and 10 great grandchildren, sisters; Patty Egg, and Denise Taylor and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Faye Taylor, sister Delores Hilton, grandson Brycen James, son-in-law Gordon Nix, and daughter-in-law Jo Taylor.
Jim’s family would like to thank Dr. Gary Goin and everyone at Assured Hospice who lovingly took care of him and his family in his home. Your presence during this time will always be honored.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on May 22 at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, Tumwater. In lieu of flowers, the Taylor family requests donations be made to Assured Hospice at the Assured Visiting Nurses Foundation. Donations may be made in Memory of James H. Taylor Jr by check sent to Visiting Nurses Foundation, 222 S. Pearl Street, Centralia WA 98531, by phone at 360-623-1560 or going on-line to visitingnursesfoundation.org.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18