Jim Taylor

Jim Taylor passed peacefully in his sleep Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday.

Originally from the Midwest, Jim Taylor was a patient man and was generous to a fault.

He was born in Chariton, Iowa, in 1948. He grew up on a large dairy farm, graduating high school and attending veterinary college with a champion swimming scholarship. Jim quit school and was subsequently drafted, serving in the Army as a dozer operator during the Vietnam War.

Afterward, struggling with an illness that led to a terminal diagnosis from the VA hospital, more misfortunes followed the careful, 20-something man, including the death of his young daughter.

Devastated and determined, Jim left Iowa with a heavy-construction company, building highways, and seeing the country. Intent to experience as much as he could of our world in the little time the doctors foresaw.

Outliving his diagnosis by many decades, the rambunctious and freckled boy had grown into a bold and mustachioed 35-year-old man, with a thing for CAT hats.

While living on the Oregon coast, he met and married Tamara, who shared his love of running heavy equipment, and thirst of living in the mountains. Jim and Tamara drove their small family to Bonners Ferry, a place in Idaho, dreamed of by his wife, where he and his family of three boys, Mountain, Tice, and Ben, carved a memorable niche in their community.

Jim will be cremated as his altruistic wishes to donate his body to science, cannot be carried out due to pandemic restrictions.

Tamara and Tice, still at home in Naples, can be reached at their family farm for condolences. In lieu of a wake, doing something nice for a neighbor, or those in need, with a prayer, would be appreciated instead.