James G. Taylor

TAYLOR, James G

James G Taylor, 75, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025.  Born to Alton and Helen Taylor in Ames, IA on April 13, 1949.

Family was everything to Jim.  He was a devoted son to Helen and Al and a steadfast brother to Sherry (Steve) Wilder (West Chester, OH).  He was Uncle Jim to his niece and nephews who provided joy throughout his life; Bradley (Alex) Wilder (Loveland, OH); Brittany Wilder (West Chester, OH); Blake Wilder (West Chester, OH) and was thrilled to be “Great Uncle Jim” to Claire Wilder.

Jim graduated from Brecksville High School (’67) and continued his education at Kent State University (’71) with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting.  Kent State proved to be the foundation of many lifelong friendships that Jim so deeply cherished.  Kent held a special place in his heart through the years that followed.  Perpetually enthusiastic to extol the merits of Kent, ranging from their top rated School of Fashion to the best local restaurants, Jim could have qualified as a Kent ambassador.  His Golden Flashes on the basketball court were his favorite.

Fairfield had been home to Jim for the past 50 years.  During that time, Jim was active in various social groups through Lindenwald United Methodist and Hyde Park United Methodist churches.  He considered this his most rewarding contribution to his community was founding the Hyde Park Job Search Focus Group.  The initial group, consisting of a dozen members, would eventually grow to assist thousands of area job seekers to find gainful employment.

A passion for travel and exploring the world kept Jim busy.  Travels through Europe and the United Kingdom combined his joy of the outdoors and his appreciation for locomotive travel.  Hiking in the mountains was one of his favorite activities.  In the states, Jim would often find himself hiking the Great Smoky Mountains where he connected with dear friends and a place he noted as a “place to think about life and appreciate the small joys it offers.”

Visitation will be held at Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield, OH 45014 on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 11am – 12 Noon.  The funeral service will follow immediately at 12 Noon, with a private family burial to follow.  The family will accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Kent State giving fund in Jim’s honor.  Kent State basketball was Jim’s passion.

https://connect.kent.edu/portal/give?utm_source=kentedu&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=adi&utm_term=25&utm_content=primary&c_src=primary_kentedu_web