James Taylor, 77, of Centralia passed away Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Fireside House in Centralia. Mr. Taylor was a United States Marine Corps veteran that was proud to have served his country with honor. James was a loyal employee of the Illinois Central Railroad working as an engineer. He had a love of learning and was highly intelligent. James enjoyed watching documentaries and could retain all the facts that were given during the program. He had a green thumb and liked to challenge himself by trying to grow new, unique vegetables, trees, and plants. James was famous for growing tomatoes, zucchini, and asparagus and putting the hot peppers he grew to good use in his chili. He was an animal lover and did not meet a dog he did not like. James’ outgoing personality helped him nurture many lasting friendships and was a trait his family admired. James will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of James Taylor with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 15, 2020 outside the Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum in rural Sandoval with Chaplain Joannie Naraghi officiating. A visitation time will be held from 12:30 P.M. until the time of the service on Tuesday inside the Hillcrest Mausoleum where those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask and the number of people will be limited to 10 at one time. Memorials may be made in James’ honor to Centralia Humane Society. Online condolences and memories of James may be shared with the family at www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
Along with his wife of 48 years, Marilyn Taylor, survivors that will carry on precious memories of James include his devoted family, daughter, Tammi (Jeff) Brillard; grandchildren, Cody, Allie, and Addie Brillard; nieces, Jackie (Bob) Nelms; nephews, Gary (Jerri) George, Randy (Cindy) George, Billy (Cathy) George, Ernie (Ladonna) Dyer and family and Jerri Sisson and family; step-brother-in-law, Bill (Charlene) Gilmore and family; and many great-nieces and nephews.
He was born on October 5, 1943 in Joplin, Missouri and was adopted by Lynn and Ruby Taylor. He married Gae Reather and they later divorced. He married Marilyn (Meyer) Hardman on December 27, 1971 and she survives in Centralia. James was preceded in death by both his daughter, Patricia Taylor; mother and father, Lynn and Ruby Taylor; mother-in-law, Violet Gilmore; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Pat Taylor; nephew, Bobby George; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Junior George and brother-in-law, Vernon Meyer.
