James Taylor Sr., 82

SEAFORD - Brother James Taylor of Seaford, 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. He was born Feb. 3, 1925, in Millen, Ga.

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

He attended Delaware public schools until he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II.

James 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 work force.

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, he was employed part time out at the Bridgeville Post Office for five years.

James 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. He 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.

He truly believed that Jesus loved him and he received his love, mercy and grace.

James 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 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 and hats and add to his coin collection.

He 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, and the blessed opportunity to have and raise their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Annette Holden of Seaford, and Prophetess/Pastor Sheryl Taylor-Johnson and her hsuband Minister Gregory Johnson of Greenwood; one son, James P. Taylor of Greenwood; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many other cousins, other relatives and a host of friends.

Viewing will befrom 6-8 p.m. Thursday in the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.

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

Interment will be in the Delaware Veteran's Cemetery, Millsboro.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.