Mr. James Taylor

James Calvin Taylor was born on June 22, 1939 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina to the late Wille Joseph Taylor and the late Mary Lee Congleton Taylor. After his graduation from Conetoe High School in 1958 he moved to New York. It was there, while waiting on a Brooklyn subway platform that he had an unexpected encounter with a former classmate, the lovely Irma Dean Coppage. This chance encounter resulted in a fifty-seven-year marriage and four wonderful children. James was a loving and patient husband to the love of his life, Mrs. Irma. He was a true father to his children and a father figure to many others. A hard worker, he was an excellent provider ensuring his family never suffered, or lack of anything. James was selfless and was known for his hospitality. Many are the family members who were welcomed into his modest home – and not just for brief visits but for extended stays. James retired in 2001 after a long career in the textile industry and in 2003 moved his bride back to North Carolina. Not one to sit and be idle, he joined the gym as well as a local seniors group. He also dedicated his life to Christ and joined Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Parmele and was baptized by his pastor, Moderator Samuel E. Chance. He was a faithful member of the choir and even sang a solo lead. He was also active in the men’s ministry and was very rarely absent when his pastor would travel to preach. His face was a welcomed and familiar one at Middle Ground Union services. James Taylor was a fine example of strength in humility. He left most of the talking to Mrs. Irma but when he spoke those fortunate enough to hear paid attention and took heed to his words knowing they came from his heart. After a five-year battle with cancer this gentle giant of a man breathed his last and entered his eternal rest fully assured it was well with his soul. James was preceded in death by one brother, Wardell Taylor; three sisters; Marjorie Taylor, Annice Taylor-Andrews, and Geraldine Taylor-Patterson. James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Irma; two devoted sons, James, Jr. (Pearl) of Queens, NY, Karlos (Kim) of Knightdale, NC; two loving daughters, Irmina Bazemore (Wendell) of Stafford, VA, Kashoni Williams (Rodney) of Greenville, NC; three granddaughters, Jasmine, Angelia, Kandace; eight grandsons, Michael, Darius, Nicholas, Curtis, James, Davaughn, Aaron and Travis; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Taylor of Brooklyn, NY, Gwendolyn Braswell (Ernest) of New Bern, NC; four brothers, Herman Taylor of Tarboro, NC; Henry Taylor (Lucy) of Wilson, NC, Willie Ray Taylor (Helen) of Rocky Mount, NC; Garland Taylor of Greenville, NC; step sisters, Ethel Ruffin-Collier, Shirley Charles (Lindberg) and Annie Charles all of Tarboro NC; step brothers, Robert Vines (Joyce), Curtis Vines (Linda) of Greenville NC, Morris Vines of Washington, DC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Mr. James Taylor

June 22, 1939 - January 18, 2018