James E. Taylor, 79, of the Ridge Road, Natural Bridge, died Thursday morning, October 12,2023 at his home while under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Jim was born on July 12,1944 in Rochester, the son of the late James D. and Delthia (AKey) Taylor. He was later raised by his stepfather, Cyril "Sonny" Arnold.  After his education, Jim served with the U.S. Army from October of 1962 to September of 1965. He was a member of the 127th National Guard in Carthage. He married the former Karen A. Thomas on December 24,1973 at the Harrisville United Methodist Church. Jim worked for the Town of Wilna, at Fort Drum in Shop D and for 28 years, was a bus driver for the Carthage Central School District until his retirement.

Jim loved everything outdoors, hunting, trapping, fishing, riding his Harley and spending time with his family. He was an avid reader and was a fan of the "Nelson Brothers" and was looking forward to them playing locally.

He is survived by his wife: Karen A. (Thomas) Taylor of Natural Bridge, one daughter and her companion: Kelly Taylor (Kevin Pate) of Carthage, one son and his wife: James (Heidi)Taylor of Carthage, his two dogs, Hunnie and Leo, 6 grandchildren, Kelly Taylor (James) Clement, Kendra Lawton, David J. Taylor Jr., James N. Taylor, Jacob Taylor and Cody Phalen and several great grandchildren, his siblings, Reita Taylor Ellis, Cindy Arnold (Steve) Gebo, Randi Arnold (Robert)Thomas, and Wayne (Peggy) Arnold, and a brother in law, Gary Gebo. He is predeceased by his son, David J. Taylor who died on September 28, 2010, his parents, James and Delthia Taylor, his stepfather, Cyril "Sonny" Arnold, and a sister, Gertrude Jock Gebo.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 16 at the Hillside Cemetery in Natural Bridge. Calling hours will be held privately by the family on Sunday at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home in Carthage.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.