James H. Taylor, Jr.
February 12, 1949 ~ October 5, 2021
James H. “Jim” Taylor, Jr., a loyal Tennessee Volunteer alumni, and die hard Vols fan passed away on Tuesday October 5, 2021, after a brief battle with COVID 19. He was 72.
Jim was born on February 12, 1949, a son of the late James Harold and Genevieve Zawacki Taylor, Sr.
Jim grew up in Weirton and graduated from Weir High School in 1967. After graduating,, West Virginia University did not offer his major, and Jim enrolled in school at the University of Tennessee, where he graduated with a master’s degree in Engineering.
After graduation from the University of Tennessee, Jim worked for Weirton Steel in the blast furnace as an engineer for the next forty years. After his employment at the mill was terminated, Jim took advantage of the unemployment benefits offered and returned to the classroom, becoming a respiratory therapist. He worked at UPMC as a respiratory therapist until he had to retire due to a degenerative condition with his spine.
Jim served his country in the United States Coast Guard and locally in his community as the fire chief of the City of Weirton Volunteer Fire Department Company 1.
An accomplished pilot, Jim owned his plane, a Cessna Aircraft, that he loved to fly out of the Toronto Airport.
Jim was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Weirton Steel 25 Year Club, Moose 688, Elks 1801, and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.
Jim will be remembered for his stubborn ways, his quick apologies when he thought he might have offended you, and most of all, his heart of gold.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Lorace McQueen, and his sister, Susan Taylor.
Jim is survived by his son, James H. Taylor, III; his best friends, Cathy Colabrese, Beth Ash, Kurt Steiner; and his special caretaker, Lori Beagle.
Visitation will be Friday 6-8 PM at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street, where the liturgy of the word services will be held at 9 AM on Saturday.
Jim will be laid to rest at New Cumberland Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church 200 Preston Avenue Weirton, WV 26062
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
Uncle Jimmy was a regular in our early lives (we the children of his sister Sue). He had a shy humor and enjoyed being an uncle. After we moved to eastern PA we saw him less, but Sue kept in regular contact until her death in 12/2020 and our sister Linda as well until recently. He will always hold a special place with us.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of James H. Taylor, Jr., give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Coast Guard Veteran, James H. Taylor, Jr., is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
I worked with Jim for a number of years at UPMC-Presbyterian. Jim always kept you on your toes as Jim always had that engineer questioning demeanor. Jim really cared about his patients and put them before anything else. After Jim’s retirement I always looked forward to receiving a text on every holiday wishing me a good holiday. Rest In Peace my friend. I will never forget you.
Jim was a wonderful friend. He had a very big heart. I will miss you. Condolences to your family.
Prayers and condolences to all family and friends. God Bless