James Alfred "Jimmy" Taylor Registered Respiratory Therapist Services for Jimmy Taylor will be held Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Allan W. Singletary officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Mr. Taylor, 59, of Meridian died Sunday, June 30, 2013, at his home. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina. Mr. Taylor was a member and past Elder of Jones Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was a 1971 graduate of Meridian High School and a graduate of Meridian Community College. Mr. Taylor began his career in Respiratory Therapy at the former St. Joseph Hospital in the early 70's. He touched the lives of many Respiratory Therapy students while teacher/director at MCC for over sixteen years. He was the Director of Respiratory Therapy at the former Riley Memorial Hospital and worked at Rush Memorial Hospital. In his younger years, Mr. Taylor loved to sail, was an avid runner, and bicyclist. He loved to fish and after declining health, took pleasure in being able to sit on his back patio and watch his nephews and friends fish in his lake. Annual trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama with his family were one of the highlights of his summer. Although he could no longer body surf with his brother, nephews and nieces, he took great pride in the fact he taught his daughter to body surf and she could enjoy it for the both of them. He had no greater love than watching and actively supporting his daughter during her softball years at Meridian High School, her cheerleading years and her many years of gymnastics. He simply loved life and enjoyed sports of all kinds, whether watching or participating, when his health permitted. He had an infectious laugh that was very distinctive and one knew it was coming from Jimmy Taylor whenever one heard it. Survivors include his devoted wife of twenty-six years, Jenny Lynn Morton Taylor and his loving daughter, Olivia Taylor; his mother, Elois Taylor Godeaux; sister, Rita Taylor Flint and husband Alan; and brother Pat Taylor and his wife Danita all of Meridian. His mother-in-law, Janelle Morton of Meridian; sisters-in-law, Tina Morton Sexton and husband Jimmy and Gay Morton Tadlock and husband Danny all of Ridgeland. Nephews, Jeremy Flint and wife Jana, Matthew Flint and wife Tathiane of Birmingham, Patrick Taylor and fiance' Amanda, Austin Taylor and Brian Taylor all of Meridian, Jet Sexton, Harley Sexton, Barry Tadlock, Brock Tadlock, Branson Tadlock, all of Ridgeland. Nieces, Alana McRee and husband Adam, Melissa Carney and husband Chad all of Meridian and Kayli Sexton of Ridgeland and numerous great-nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends. Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his father William Alfred "Bill" Taylor and his father-in-law, Winfred Hance "Moody" Morton, Jr. The family requests memorial be made to Jones Memorial Presbyterian Church, Humane Society or a favorite charity. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Jeremy Flint, Matthew Flint, Patrick Taylor, Austin Taylor, Brian Taylor, Jet Sexton, Harley Sexton, Barry Tadlock, Brock Tadlock and Branson Tadlock. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at robertbarhamffh.com Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
To send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jimmy" Alfred Taylor, please visit our
flower store.
