James William Taylor

James William Taylor “Jim”, 72, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at The Pavilion Health Center at Brightmore after a courageous battle with Melanoma. Jim was born on November 27, 1943 in Concord, NC to the late Thomas E. and Mary Furr Taylor. He is preceded in death by his brother Howard E. “Red” Taylor.

Jim served 9 years in the NC Army National Guard 1/196th Cavalry as an SP5. He worked for 40 years in the Large Truck Sales industry retiring with Freightliner of Charlotte. After retirement he worked part-time for Harris Teeter at Colony and Rea Roads. Jim was a loving and supportive husband to his wife, Elfreda, for almost 50 years.

Jim loved meeting people. He especially loved meeting and greeting Harris Teeter customers. He shared many recipes with them and received many in return. Many a night he would prepare those very recipes at home. He was passionate for all things cooking and grilling. He and Elfreda enjoyed entertaining friends and family for many years. Jim also loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful trips to the NC mountains, SC beaches and locations across the United States and Alaska. Jim was also was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed watching college football and basketball games, the Carolina Panthers and NASCAR. Another pastime was watching old western movies on tv which he loved to do especially over the last several months. Jim was always ready to lend a hand whether it be in the yard, garden or homes of neighbors, friends and family. Jim never met a stranger or a rocking chair he didn’t like. He loved to share stories and conversations in the driveway or on the back porch. Jim will be most remembered by his wonderful and quirky sense of humor!

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Elfreda Aldridge Taylor, of the home. Brother-in-law, John Aldridge (Judi) of Concord, NC, nephews Howard E. “Bubba” Taylor, Jr. (Alexandra) and their children Elijah, Zachary and Zoë of Concord, NC.; Christopher Aldridge and children Lauren, Cameron and Brenyn of Concord, NC ; David Aldridge and daughter Kayla of Clover, SC; and Sister-in-law Carolyn Taylor of Concord, NC. Jim also leaves behind many loving friends.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Asim Amin and staff at Levine Cancer Center; Dr. Scott Broadwell at CMC Main, and Dr. Gregory Underwood, Charlotte Medical Clinic. In addition, the family thanks the staff for the wonderful care Jim received at the Pavilion along with loving, tender care from Liberty Hospice.

A memorial service to honor Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at McEwen Funeral Service Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive friends immediately following the service with refreshments being served. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Hospice, 119 West Wade Street, Wadesboro, NC 28170 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be left online at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.