James H. Taylor, Jr.

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