James William 'Shorty' Taylor

There is glorious news for the body of Christ. On January 9th, shortly after 4a.m. a saved, sanctified soul slipped out of the body of James William Taylor Sr. That soul is now sitting with the saints in heavenly places with his Savior, which is the King of Kings; Christ the Lord. Amen and Amen! James "Shorty" Taylor was born to John Edward and Vonnie Taylor on November 17th, 1944. Weighing only 2.2 lbs the doctors said he could not survive the night. Well that was 70 years ago. God bless doctors. James grew up surrounded by family and friends and had a great gift for music. He loved to sing and play his guitar. He was also proficient on the drums, piano and trumpet. This he mastered without benefit of any lessons or tutoring. James, whose family moved into Illinois in the 60's, began working in the restaurant industry. Moving up from busboy to dishwasher and then the finest and best short order cook Danville ever had. Employed by Chappys for nearly 20 years he also worked at truck stops, The Diner, The Sweetheart, The Gingerbread House, and the 57 Chevy Cafe to name a few. He was well known in this town for his kind nature and friendly character. Nicknamed "Shorty " by his customers because of his small stature he spent his life with an ability to content in whatever situation he found himself in. He played his guitar and sang with local bands and in church. This and family gave him his greatest pleasure. He had a kind and giving soul. He never met a man he didn't know. A trip to the grocery store with this man turned into old home week as he was known and recognized by everyone and loved in engaging in conversation with people. Jim will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew him. In his personal relationships he was married 3 times. It was through these relationships that he had 4 children and became Father to four others he acquired through these marriages. He was wed to Jeri Smoot-Taylor at the time of his death. She was close by his side when he passed. She has two daughters, Theresa and Julie Rose Smoot of Danville. His previous wife, Ruth Taylor gave him two sons. Mr. David W. Taylor and Mr. Matthew Taylor, both of Danville. His first wife, Carol Denise Fitzwater gave him three children Mr. Michael R. Taylor, Mr. James W. Taylor Jr. and finally one daughter Mrs. Tonya Marie Taylor-Waller. They all survive. He also has sisters Mrs. Jan Lynch, Mrs. Sandy Utt (Bill), Mary Ellen Taylor, And Julie Gentry. Through these sisters he has a wealth of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Through his children he has several grandchildren and one great grand-daughter, all of whom he adored. Cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Jamess Life will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, January 16, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. Sister Karen Hodges will be officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Memorials in Jamess name can be made to the National Tourette Syndrome Association at www.tsa-usa.org. Please join his family in sharing memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com