James Taylor Sr., 82

GREENWOOD - James Taylor Sr., of Greenwood, the husband of the late Mary E. Taylor, departed this life into the Heavenly Kingdom on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008. He was 82.

He resided in the Bridgeville/Greenwood area.

James was born Feb. 3, 1925, in Millen, Ga.

He moved to Delaware at a very young age and was raised by a loving and loyal relative, the late Annie Sullivan.

James attended the Delaware Public Schools until he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He served in active duty for four years and received many medals of honor during his service to this nation. One of his educational hopes was to receive his Delaware high school diploma, which he did finally receive at the age of 82.

After returning from the military, James directly went into the workforce. He worked for six years as a poultry truck driver, 15 years as a highway blacktop and concrete finisher and 22 years as the head chef at the Dover Air Force Base Dining Hall #2, where he retired in the 1980s.

After retiring, James was employed part time out at the Bridgeville Post Office for five years.

He was a family man and a good provider.

In the community and church, he was known as a father and a mentor to many. He was caring and was often called Dad, Pop, Mr. James and Pop-py.

James was a pioneer, faithful member and servant of Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church in Bridgeville. He became a member of the church in the mid-1960s.

He enjoyed fellowshipping with his Pastor, brothers and sister in Christ. He served as chairman of the kitchen and homecoming committee. James served on the adult choir, clean-up and building committee and trustee board.

In July 2007, he became the Father of the Church until his death.

James served also as a board member of Redeemed By The Hand of the Lord Outreach Ministries under the leadership of his daughter, Pastor Sheryl Taylor-Johnson.

He enjoyed singing, and humming the songs of Zion unto his Savior. His favorite Scriptures were Psalm 23 and St. Matthew 6:9-15.

James truly believed that Jesus loved him and he received his love, mercy and grace. He always had a kind and encouraging word for others. He believed that Jesus on the inside would bring about a change in any one's life.

In his spare time, he enjoyed watching TV game shows, baseball games and community affairs, TV ministers the Rev. Billy Graham, the late Gilbert Earl Patterson, Benny Hinn, T.D. Jakes. James was a member of the Greenwood Cheer Center. He loved to cook, wear and collect caps/hats and add to his coin collection. James was a member of the American Veterans Lodge, Seaford.

God gave him and his wife, the late Mary E. Taylor, the love of his life for 59 years, the blessed opportunity to have and raise their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Annette Holden of Seaford, and Prophetess/Pastor Sheryl Taylor Johnson and her husband Minister Gregory Johnson of Greenwood; one son, James P. Taylor of Greenwood; five grandchildren, Sherard Holden and his wife Luan of Seaford, Lauane Drayton of Seaford, Isadorea' Humphrey, James Humphrey, and Jennifer Humphrey, of New Castle; six great-grandchildren, Iz'neil Collins-Humphrey of New Castle, Semaj Humphrey of Wilmington, Challa McIlwain of South Carolina, Tadrain Drayton of Georgia, Alana Nichols and Alexandra Nichols of Seaford; brother-in-law, Trustin Lofland and his wife Patricia of California; future son-in-law, Temecoire Matthews of Georgetown; daughter, Alena Conway of Greenwood; son, Thomas Williams Jr. of Wilmington; first cousins, Jackie Goodwin, Carolyn Grant, Ralph Collie and Patrick Lofland, all who are not forgotten; longtime neighbors and friends, Mr. Arthur Tucker and his wife Rosa; those who helped and assisted, Bertha Gordan and Patricia Cherry, Brother Robert "Bobby" Dixon and Brother Brad Cannon; and a host of relatives and friends far and near.

A viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. today in the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, 41 Church St., Bridgeville, where friends may also call one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro.