James E. Taylor

James E. Taylor, DDS, 72, of Decatur passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with cardiac issues on Sunday, December 3, 2017. His death was unexpected. He was born on Friday, February 23, 1945 in Clarkrange, Tennessee to Edward L. and Floccie (Atkinson) Taylor. He was married on January 31, 1970 in Decatur to Gail Marlene Egly.

He was a graduate of Dunkirk High School Class of 1962. He continued his education at Texas Christian University (TCU), Ball State, and Indiana University School of Dentistry where he received his BS and DDS. He then opened his own practice, James E. Taylor Family Dentistry and continued until he retired in 2008 after 38 years.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur where he held several positions. He was a member of the Academy of General Dentistry; American Dental Association; Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association; a retired member of the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society; Decatur Jaycees; Decatur Optimist Club; Randolph County Antique Tractor Club; and the Jay County Engine Club. He enjoyed flying (had his instrument rating); gardening, farming, woodworking and design, traveling, collecting and restoring antique tractors, and raising horses.  His most recent advocacy was to support the A Better Life Brianna's Hope, which was started by his sister and brother-in-law and meets locally at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.

He is survived by his wife of Decatur; two sons, Neil Taylor of Lexington, Kentucky; and Dr. Blake (Denise Acosta) Taylor of Decatur; daughter, Allison (Marshall) Davis of Avon; three sisters, Ann (Rick) Moulthrop of Irvine, California; June (Paul) Campbell of Eaton; and Rose (Pastor Randy) Davis of Redkey; brother, Joel (Pastor Sharon) Taylor of Fairview; aunt, Ilean Helton of Crossville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Nathan Taylor; Andrew Taylor; Quentin Taylor; Alton Taylor; Meyer Davis; and Makalyn Davis; and one step-granddaughter, Ashley Pulver.

He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Amy Taylor.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, December 9 at First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Officiating will be Pastor Randy Davis, Pastor Sharon Taylor, and Pastor Amy Covington. Burial will be at Decatur Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to A Better Life Brianna's Hope; First United Methodist Church; or the Marfan Foundation.

Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.