Jimmy Taylor

Reflection of Life

Jimmy Lee Taylor, who was affectionately known as “JT”, was born on August 20, 1936, in the state of Texas, to his loving mother Minnie Ingram Taylor.  Minnie later married Curtis Taylor who adopted Jimmy as his own son and gave him the last name Taylor.   Jimmy had a great love for his parents and cared for them until their last living days on Earth.  As a youth, Jimmy discovered a love for drawing and building things from scratch, and he developed such a gift for drawing that he received an offer for a full scholarship to study his craft.  However, Jimmy decided to forfeit his opportunity to further his education in drawing and thought it would be better to get a job to help support and provide for his parents.  Jimmy continued to work throughout his lifetime where he ultimately picked up jobs such as a gas station manager, icehouse worker, and lastly worked as a greeter at Wal-Mart.

Jimmy had a love and a passion for music which he passed on to some of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Jimmy’s passion for music opened doors for him to play in the local night clubs while living in Los Angeles, California.  Jimmy also began playing in the church where his father would preach. He also played the drums with such artists as JJ and the Bad Boys, and Dip and the Final Notice. Jimmy also had the opportunity to record a record with JD Nicholson and the Soul Benders.  The song is titled, “Movin & Groovin”.  This was one of his proudest moments and he would quickly pull this song up on YouTube to let those around him listen to it. Jimmy also enjoyed attending the Ingram Family Reunion and trying to make sure that everyone in the family knew each other.  He took pride in his family and loved every member.

As Jimmy grew older, he had a total of 13 children.  He briefly had his first marriage, which resolved in an annulment, then he met and married Carrie Forlks Taylor.  It was to this union, the two had 9 children.  Jimmy and Carrie divorced, and he then met and married Ruth Ann Maxwell Taylor. To this union, the two had 4 children. Jimmy and Ruth also divorced, and it was then that he met the love of his life, Roberta D Taylor who was affectionately known as Bertie.  The two married in 1988 and Jimmy welcomed Roberta’s 3 daughters into his heart as his own.

Around 1993, Jimmy and Roberta decided to relocate to Artesia New Mexico. While in Artesia, Jimmy and Roberta recommitted their lives to Christ, and they joined Bethel Baptist Church. As a member of Bethel, Jimmy played the drums, served as the Sunday School Superintendent, and was a Deacon on the Deacon’s Board.  He was a faithful member until his health challenges began to compromise his ability to attend services as he desired. While living in Artesia, Jimmy joined the Masonic Brotherhood where he held different positions, but again, his failing health caused him to become unable to continue with his membership.

In April 2022, Jimmy experienced the untimely, painful loss of his wife Roberta.  During this time, he also began to experience more health challenges.  As a result of his health and the passing of his wife, Jimmy felt it would be best if he relocated and moved closer to his daughters in Las Vegas, Nevada.  On May 2, 2022, Jimmy moved in with his youngest daughter Sheleta, and with the help of her sisters, she spent the last 7 months caring for him.  Jimmy’s children had the precious opportunity to throw his 1st birthday party for him on his 86th birthday on August 20, 2022.  This was also his first birthday party spent with some of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Jimmy’s health swiftly declined during his time in Las Vegas which ultimately resulted in his passing on December 22, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his mother Minnie Taylor, father Curtis Adell Taylor Sr, Sister Betty Lois Parks, brother Curtis Adell Taylor Jr, wife Roberta (Bertie) Taylor, son Douglas Dwayne Taylor (Patricia), daughter Pamela Pugh (Willie), sons Gregory Taylor and Bruce Dion Taylor (Celestine), and son in laws Augustus Fraser Jr (Sheleta) and Darrell Lynn Rish Sr (Sonya).

He leaves his to cherish his memories: children Eric Kent Taylor, Valerie Kay Taylor, William Marcus Taylor (Julia), Jeffery Roger Taylor, Sonya Rene Rish, Anthony Quinn Taylor, Marie Antoinette Penn, Andre L. Taylor (Nida), and Sheleta Y. Fraser; his grandchildren Della Aimee Boyd, Jaysun Eugene Pugh, Adson Whiteside, Crystle Whiteside, Dwayne Curry, Thmeka Curry, Shawnee Janae Taylor, Brian Reid, Brittney Horsley, Ashlee Penn, Darnisha Nichole Rish, Stanford Dupree Taylor, Avery Penn Jr, Alexis Janae Pugh, Jalen Taylor, Devin Taylor,  Miracle Janay Rish, Elijah Augustus Fraser, Shawna Mae Taylor, Darrell Lynn “DJ” Rish Jr, Christian Andre’ Taylor; 30 great grandchildren,  2 great great grandchildren, nephew Horace Samuel Giles Jr, stepchildren Christine Palmer (Terrance), Denice Becton (Michael); step grandchildren  Ronnell Woods, Terrance Palmer III, Tyler McDuffie, Bonus Daughter Pastor Ayanna Bereal, 2 step great grandchildren, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.