James Robert Taylor

He was born in Three Rivers, MI to Joseph G. Taylor and Marion E. Taylor. They relocated to New Bern, NC in 1946 where he enjoyed softball, swimming in the river, and surfing. He enlisted in the Army after graduating high-school in October of 1968 where he served as a personnel clerk and served in the Vietnam War. Jim received the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Metal, Vietnam Service Metal, Army Commendation Metal, Good Conduct Metal, Two Overseas Bars, and Expert Rifleman on M16 and M14 weapons. He was discharged in 1972 and transferred to the reserves until 1974, after being honorably discharged. He attended East Carolina University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Accounting in 1976.

Jim moved to the Triangle area in 1977 and began to enjoy more outdoor activities and working with his hands on various woodworking projects. Spending countless hours with his children, whether it be at the pool, on any athletic field, or even in their own back yard, his family meant the world to him.

Jim was well known for his love of gardening and the hours he would spend every weekend in the back yard. His morning walks on the beach before anyone else was awake searching for shark’s teeth and sea shells was a simple pleasure he enjoyed. His son will always cherish him coaching him in soccer and diving, having a catch or tossing the football. He always took the time to play anytime he wanted him to. Also, will appreciate the way he taught him to stand up for himself and fight when the situation warranted it, while allowing him to make his own decisions whether they were right or wrong. Jim and his daughter had a special friendship and were similar in nature and spent many hours together on outdoor activities and projects.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Gaston Taylor Sr. his mother, Marion Eastwood Taylor and his sister Virginia Irene Taylor.

He is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Jan Wiygul Taylor of Raleigh. His two children: James R. Taylor Jr. of Burnsville, NC and Candace Taylor Bloemendaal of Youngsville, NC. Also by his eight step-children: Richard Berry (Kelly), Jamie Berry, Jennifer Leigh, Jinger Thomas, Jaime Dalton (Eric), Taylor Casper, Catherine Anastasio (Jesse), and Charlie Smith (Mary). He also leaves behind his two grandchildren Chaz Ryba and Avery Bloemendaal. Also by his five step-grandchildren: Summer Hardin, Zac Dalton, Caitlyn Hardin, Aiden Anastasio, and Emma Smith; and eleven Berry grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as “Papa Jim”.