James Taylor

JAMES RAY "J.T." TAYLOR, 54, died at 6:30 a.m. June 20, 2005, at his residence. He was born Oct. 1, 1950, in Montpelier to Ira W. and Sibble Collins Taylor, who preceded him in death. His special companion, Linda Zimmerman Kennedy, survives in Lima. Mr. Taylor was an inspector for General Dynamics. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a Ranger with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division, from Jan. 15, 1970, to Jan. 14, 1976. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal and held the maroon, black and green berets. Due to his ancestral heritage, he was interested in the Cherokee Indian Nation. He had a passion for his dog, Angel Love. Survivors also include three daughters, Melissa Kennedy of Lima, Sandy Kennedy of Columbus and Robin Taylor of Cincinnati; a son, Zeb Taylor of Cincinnati; a brother, Harold (Louise) Taylor of Ada; five sisters, Frances (Dwain) Startzman of Montpelier, Betty (Mike) Briggs of Lima, Sharon (Jim) McClain of Bluffton, Carolyn (Larry) Beemer of Beaverdam and Phyllis (Bob) Halker of Columbus Grove; and four grandchildren, Samuel Wicker, Johnathan Amann, Joeseph Taylor and Haylie Allison Taylor; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis "Gene" Collins. Memorial services will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Beaverdam Church of Christ, Beaverdam. Pastor Michael Downey will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Beaverdam, with military rites. Friends may call from noon until time of services Wednesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita's Hospice, 770 W. North St., Lima, OH 45801. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com. Arrangements are by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.