James Taylor Sr. was born on October 17, 1958, in Canton, Mississippi, to Walter Lee and Madell Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Shirley Brown, and nieces, Linda, Natasha, and Jermecka.

James graduated from Canton Public School in 1977. He relocated from Mississippi to Illinois, where he lived with his beloved Aunt Mildred Thomas, who passed away. James became the patriarch of the family at that time.

For over 30 years, James was employed at the only floating McDonald's Restaurant. Rain, sleet, or snow -- even with a broken foot and toe -- James went to work, missing only one day. He made sure the family had jobs, leading by example. It was there that he met his best friends and wife, Alexandria, and together they welcomed a son, James Taylor Jr.

He leaves behind cherished memories for his wife, Alexandria Taylor, and their son, James Taylor Jr. of Illinois; his daughter, Constance Jones of Texas; his son, Jeffrey Jones of Mississippi; his brothers, Walter Lee (Addie Ruth) Taylor of Mississippi, Floyd (Angela) Taylor of Mississippi, Leroy (Kim) Taylor of Iowa, and Will (Barbara) Taylor of Memphis, and his sister Jean Taylor of California.

His family also includes his mother-in-law, Shirley (Riff) Hannah of Illinois; brothers, Cornell (LaKesha) Hannah of Arizona, Stacey (Juanita) Hannah of Arizona, Otha and Deon Brown of Mississippi, Ricky (Marquetta) Harrison of Illinois; sister, Twajuana Chairs of Tennessee; bonus wife, Deborah Stanley and aunt Wanikia (Lamont) Hannah of Illinois; uncle, Leonard (Christine) Hannah; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren (with one preceding him in death), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

James had a deep love for the Lord and for each and every one of you. He dedicated his life to Christ, being baptized after attending Vacation Bible School, leading his entire household to faith.