John Taylor

John Taylor, 68, of Pelham, Alabama, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025. Born on January 11, 1957, in Guide Post, Northumberland, England, he never did a thing by half measures. Big John, as many knew him, had a heart and a sense of humor to match his great height, and he leaves behind a massive legacy of kindness, generosity, and joy. He was truly beloved by everyone he met.

John began life as a Geordie lad, son of Jean and John Taylor of Choppington. After apprenticing at Ashington Colliery as a teenager, his career took him underground and across the world, from the UK to Australia, Indonesia, and beyond. In the USA, he met the love of his life, Day. They married in 1988 and together relocated to the Birmingham area shortly after the arrival of their daughter, Cheyenne, in 1991.

John’s talents as a mechanical engineer and his always-affable nature made him a natural in the coal mining sales arena. He founded his own business, Dayjon, in March 2004, which he ran successfully for over 10 years. He then became Sales Director at Limitless Mining Solutions (LMS) and was pivotal to the development of this business.

Over the decades, John crossed paths with countless people, both in his industry and out and about in the world. He never met a stranger.

He was a lovable giant who made an impact on everyone whose life he touched, even briefly—sitting on a plane, waiting in line at a restaurant, or anywhere else he happened to be. He couldn’t help but strike up conversation, share a story, go over a detail, speak his mind. He was an open book, a raconteur, a bon vivant, the sort of guy who always put his money where his mouth was. He was, in short, a Great Man.

John became a U.S. citizen in 2014, an accomplishment he was immensely proud of. He always maintained a love for his homeland—especially when it came to Newcastle United Football Club—though he was brimming with patriotism for his chosen home. When he wasn’t traveling for work, he loved working on his motorbikes, watching Westerns, and sitting on the porch with a drink in hand. Recently, he was thoroughly enjoying the experience of being Granda to his first grandbaby, Louise. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Day: talking, talking, talking.

John is preceded in death by his parents: John & Jean Taylor; and twin sons: Sean & Jordan Taylor. He is survived by his wife: Debra (Day) Taylor; daughter: Cheyenne Sawaya, & son-in-law: George Sawaya, Jr.; granddaughter: Louise Sawaya; sister: Linda Charlton, & brother-in-law: Alan (Charlie) Charlton; sister: Sandra Taylor; and so many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws who will miss him beyond words.

The number of people who loved John Taylor truly can’t be tallied.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL, 35209. Afterward, the family invites friends & colleagues to raise a glass to John’s memory at Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222 from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

“Illegitimi non carborundum”