Obituary of James Taylor

James P. "Jimmy" Taylor, Jr. 94, of Raleigh died Friday, November 25, 2011 after a brief illness.

A Graveside celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Montlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at Montlawn Funeral Home one hour prior to the service.

A lifelong resident of Raleigh, Mr. Taylor graduated from Broughton High School in 1936 and was employed as a fireman and engineer on the Seaboard Coastline Railway for 40 years. He was also a lifelong learner, took great joy in exploring the wonders of nature and was an avid hunter, fisherman and cook. Jimmy was a charter member of North Raleigh United Methodist Church.

Devoted to his family, Mr. Taylor is survived by his son, Rusty Taylor, as well as his dear niece, Pauletta A. King and other remembered family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, "Freddy", Frances B. Taylor.

The family is particularly grateful for the friendship of so many people who have supported Mr. Taylor over the last several years - his wonderful neighbors in Oakland Acres, his "pew buddies" at church, his fellow hunting comrades and Dave Woodard and the "railroad breakfast crew". Appreciation is also expressed to the fine team at Duke Cardiology of Raleigh, especially Dr. Jim Peterson and former member Dr. James Zidar, as well as the enormous care and kindness of the nurses and doctors at Duke Raleigh Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Eastern and Central North Carolina, 3808 Tarheel Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609 or to North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com