James Oscar (Jimmy) Taylor II

Our funny and talented Jimmy went home to be with the Lord on Monday morning, September 11, 2023 at the age of 43. We are thankful for God’s mercy, amazing grace and love and while we are heartbroken we celebrate that Jimmy has been received into the loving arms of God. Jimmy was baptized at the age of 10, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and we know we will be reunited one day with him.

Jimmy was born and raised in Macon, Georgia, and attended Stratford Academy where he played trumpet in the band, played soccer and football and was defensive player of the year. He spent some time working with his older sister, Lindsay, in Washington, DC, and then moved to Athens, Georgia to pursue his love of music. He was a gifted guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist and songwriter and had several musical acts that performed around Athens over the years in legendary locations like the 40 Watt. He traveled outside the U.S. to Japan to promote his music which was one of the highlights of his life. He often submitted to songwriting competitions and won several finalist awards from VH1.

Jimmy was extremely close to his two sisters, Missy and Lindsay, and they loved going to concerts together. One concert outing to see the Smashing Pumpkins will go down in history as the most entertaining and dramatic of Taylor sibling trips. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs and got to go to the Rose Bowl where the Dawgs won in a very dramatic overtime. He loved watching the games with his family or texting on game day and his final resting place will be the historic Oconee Hill Cemetery adjacent to the University of Georgia campus and near Sanford Stadium where he can keep an eye on the Dawgs. He cherished the bond he and his nephew, Ben, had over Nintendo and in particular the new Legend of Zelda game.

Jimmy was special and loved dearly by so many people, often being like a sibling to them. He was incredibly funny and quick witted. He would have you laughing so hard you could barely catch your breath sometimes. He was easily amused by some of the most mundane things. He loved his many dogs and cats over the years and would often turn up with a stray animal. These animals brought him much peace and comfort over the years while he recovered from numerous injuries. He was a fighter who always believed he would conquer his physical disabilities. He was a truly kind and inclusive person who had great empathy for people.

He is survived by his parents, Jim and Angela Taylor, sisters Missy Taylor and Lindsay Taylor Mabry (Milam), nephew Ben Mabry and niece Margaret Mabry.

A private service and burial will take place Monday, September 18, 2023 in Athens, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jimmy’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Nuci’s Space, or Ingleside Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia.

Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of arrangements.