James Michael Taylor

Mike was a wonderful and faithful husband, father, neighbor and friend. He loved his family so much. He was born, and raised in Canton MS, and graduated from Canton Academy, went to Holmes Jr. College (2 years) and graduated from there, then attended Mississippi State University, and Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He worked in State Government for over 25 years in different Agencies. In April of 2002, he retired as Director of Accounting for the Department of Agriculture & Commerce, before that he was with the Accounting department for the Department of Health.

After retirement, Mike Spent most of his time substitute teaching at a lot of the public, and private schools all around in Madison, Ridgeland, Canton, Gluckstadt, and Jackson, mostly Jackson Academy. Mike loved all those kids so much, and they loved him as much IF NOT MORE. Those kids brought him so much joy in his heart, he just lived to be somewhere to make another impact in another’s life when he got the call. Those kids all called him “Mr. T”. He made one more appearance substitute teaching, and it was of course at Jackson Academy, the place where the kids coined the phrase for him “Mr. T”. Words can never express how good those children made him feel. There was countless times where Mike would be out with his wife (Fidelia), his son (Michael), along with his Daughter-in-law (Ashley), and some kids would recognize him, and would go so joyfully over him. Ashley didn’t know it at the time, but apparently she was a part of some crazy stories with Michael coming to the rescue with his Martial Arts. The kids met Michael a couple of times; and Michael said when asked by them about those stories…. “Yeah those are not exactly correct lol.”

Mike loved his church Christ United, Jackson MS, and was a faithful member for 38 years. Music was his greatest joy. When he joined in 1986, he talked to John Case (who was the minister at that time) about starting an orchestra with the members of the church; he had a vision of that. He loved Mississippi State University, listening to baseball, basketball, and football games; and attended so many games as a die heart State Fan. Mike shared a special relationship with both his wife (Fidelia) as he wanted to show her how much he loved her over and over, whether it was surprising her with flowers or taking her out to a romantic supper. Mike shared a special relationship with his son (Michael Joseph Taylor) they did everything together. They went to games together, practiced baseball all the time. One of the most wonderful memories was the 2007 Starkville Super Regional. Mississippi State hosted the super, and one of Michael’s groomsmen later on was pitching (Justin Pigott) and State won that game and advanced to Omaha. As a family we enjoyed going to ball games together.

Mike is preceded in death by his dad, James W. Taylor, his niece Leslea Seay, Uncle Kenneth Terrell and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William F. Terrell, and his brother Thomas Wayne Taylor and Aunt Opal Yarbrough. He leaves behind his wife Fidelia (Dee) Taylor, their son Michael Joseph Taylor daughter-in-law Ashley Taylor, and their beloved grand dog Maggie, who became one of dad’s most loved joys being around her. He leaves behind his sister Linda Reid and her husband Frank, his mom Jean Taylor, his niece Rachel Reid and Keith (her husband).

We want to thank the doctors; Nurses at University and Baptist Hospitals for their care and compassionate love.

Contributions to be made on his behalf (1) Christ United Church Music and Orchestra, (2) St. Jude Children's Hospital, and (3) Make a wish Mississippi or however you choose to Him.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Christ United Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, Mississippi 39211, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.