Submitted by his wife
James ‘Donkey’ Taylor was the heart of his family‚ his friends‚ his community‚ and his fire department. He died January 19‚ 2003‚ while responding to an accident. He is sadly missed‚ but his memory lives on.
James was known for being very caring and never thought twice about helping someone in need. His long and tireless devotion and dedication to the fire department and the community will be long remembered. He helped with the THINK CHILD SAFETY program every year. He made sure that every year there was a program at the area school for fire prevention. He started Project Graduation in Lamar County.
He was so devoted to me‚ Angie‚ his wife for 8 years‚ and our children‚ Dakota and Carlee. He never missed an opportunity to express his love for all of us. His children were the love of his life.
A scholarship has been established in James’ name for a senior going into the fire and EMS field at Prairiland High School. We know he would be amazed at all the outpouring tributes and acknowledgements of his life. He always thought of himself as a simple person doing what needed to be done with no thought of honor or spotlight. The scholarship is a fitting tribute. He will live on.
James was my best friend for 15 years. It never dawned on me that he was a fireman. To me, he was just ‘Biscuit’. Him being a fireman was just what he did. It was who he was. He lived to help others and found joy in making someone else’s day a little brighter. I try not to let myself get down when I think of him, but rejoice in the fact that I was lucky enough to have known him. His son, Dakota, reminds me so much of him it’s scary. I do my best to do some of the things with him that his dad would’ve done, but I know in his mind it just isn’t the same. Still, I know in my heart that he would have done the same for my children if anything had happened to me. We miss you James. Your memory will live on through those who knew and loved you.
– Gary Lester