James Eldon Taylor, 61, of Mansfield, OH, passed away at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital on April 26, 2024 with a family member by his side. He was born on December 7, 1962 to the late Kenneth and Mary (Haynes) Taylor.
James was a man who relished living life. He enjoyed working for the State of Ohio as a parole officer for many years. He also worked as a DJ and security guard for many major concerts throughout Ohio, with his highlight welcoming the band AC/DC. Helping out with the concerts and being a DJ were right up his alley as he shared a great passion for music. Heavy metal and hard Rock were his top genres with “TNT” by AC/DC being one of his favorites. James had a softer side for music as well later in life with three of his favorites being Building 429, Lecrae Ft. Tori Kelly and Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth. Not only did he appreciate music, but he was a sports fanatic, avid action movie enthusiast and gaming expert as well. James had a great passion for his Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, watching Sprint Cars, dirt track racing and being a big part of his best friend Tyler Dunn’s Sprint Car Racing Team, but most of all The Ohio State Buckeyes.
When one could not find James enjoying sports, racing, music, movies, or his Buckeyes, you would discover him helping his neighbors plan the next big block party around the summer holidays. He was a very organized gentleman in life. He was the one you could always go to when you needed something done in a timely manner and he was always gracious with his time to others.
James adored his family the most. They meant everything to him, and every family member had a special place in James’ heart. He never turned down an opportunity to teach them and guide them on the principles of life. He was a very generous individual, who had a heart of gold. He loved everyone and every animal. He had a great love for his doggy; Tyler, who like his family, will miss him dearly.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 28 ½ years, Krista Taylor; step-sons, Sean (Sara) Sefferlin and Logan Swank; step-grandchildren, Alec and Drake Sefferlin; brothers, Ron (Penny) Taylor, Bryan (Pam) Taylor, David (Marie) Taylor; and nephews, Steven (Kami) Taylor, Brandon (Ashley) Taylor, Michael (Julie) Taylor, Joseph (Eva) Taylor, David (Jordan) Taylor Jr., Richie (Taylor) Taylor, friend Mary Yosick and best friend Tyler (Jess) Dunn and his children Bryar, Olivia, River and Case.
He is preceded in death by his parents; various aunts and uncles, and close friend, Doc Mills.
The Taylor family would like to extend their gratitude to OhioHealth Hospice for helping James make a smooth transition from this life to the next and to his nephew Steven Taylor, whom he had an unmatchable bond with, for his love and care being with James every step through process till the end and his children (“Uncle Jimmy’s Buddies) McKenzie, Micah and Moses who FaceTimed him every night to tell them they loved him and pray over him.
The Taylor family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Mary Yosick for her friendship and care of James throughout the years.
The Taylor family would like to acknowledge his nephew Brandon Taylor, who spent time always helping move things for James around the house, to the Christmas moments spent with Brandon, wife Ashley and kids Carson, Emma and Zoey, nephews Michael, Joe, David Jr. and Richie for their close bond with James through football, sports, racing and many other things.
Family and Friends can gather on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond St. A memorial service will immediately follow at 4:00 pm with Pastor Dallas Waggle officiating. In lieu of Flowers, the family has asked that Memorial Contributions be made to OhioHealth Hospice, 335 Glessner Ave, Mansfield, OH 44903.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Taylor family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com