This is the place to share your fond memories of James.
Your submissions will be posted asap.
No story is too short or too long.
Any story you have to share about James will be great.
Memories of Tim Jimenez
My friend James was not only a great friend, he was also my brother in Christ. I miss him so very much that I can not explain it in words. I feel priveleged to have known him, especially this last year. We became close friends and would often lift each other up in prayer. Last summer, it was on his heart to form a band and he asked me to help him write the music. Now I had played with James on the worship team for a few years, but this was different. I got to see the creative side of James and how interesting and intelligent he was. It was awesome writing and playing our songs together and boy did he have big plans. He figured that he would build houses in Big Bear(At Least 4-6 per year), sell the houses, and with the money we would be able to write,play and perform as a living. I told him sounds great but it's not gonna happen and he would reply, "I'm James Taylor, I'll make it happen." That began his slogan for the next 8 months (I'LL Make it happen.)In many ways he did make things happen. His mind was constantly working on new ideas. He would blow me away with his ingenius creativity. I was so glad to be a part of his life. I will miss his big bear hugs, his great smile, his unconditional love for others, and his never give up attitude. Thank you James, for a life time of memories. I miss you and Love you.
Memories of Jennifer Jimenez
James was a wonderful and intelligent person. I didn't know him as much as my Dad did, but I knew him enough to be able to tell that he was something special. He had so much to give, and always had a great big smile to share with everyone. I will forever remember his smile and the way he laughed. I always loved to hear him, my Dad and the rest of the band play/sing. It had been some of my favorite music ever to listen to. A few months before he passed, James and I put together a project for his Whittier Web Design company. It was a large Lord of the Rings website. The site is no longer now, but has been combined with another Lord of the Ring fansite. It was fun working with him while it lasted, and we got to know each other a little more during that process, so I'm very thankful for that. I'm grateful my family and I were able to know James. I will surely miss him, but am relieved to know we'll all see him one day again in Heaven.
Memories of Teresa Jimenez
I don't know where to begin. I have so many fond memories of times spent with James. I will probably have to submit multiple posts. This was one remarkable, unforgettable man. You cannot know James and not love James. His smile was infectious. His laughter made me laugh with him. I remember the day he became my web-mentor. I was showing Lorin one of the websites I made for fun. He happened to walk by and told me that I was wasting my time at Hallmark, and that I should be designing websites for a living. I felt really honored at that statement. I decided to pursue it, and he helped me along every step of the way. He was always available to help me. His pep talks helped me overcome some shyness, though I fought it quite a bit. I know I would frustrate him at times, but he continued to believe I could do things that I would never have thought of doing. Such as having a meeting with a client, and talking in front of people. His confidence meant so much to me.
I loved the way our families were so close. It was so great to have them over. Lorin and I get along great, Tim and James were buddies, and our children are the best of friends too. We had some great conversations over dinner. I remember one time James and Tim were watching some game show blooper thing and they cracked up for like an hour straight. Lorin and I were trying to talk, but we kept laughing at their laughing! Ah, and then there was his singing. I started loving to hear James sing when he used to do this sort of growl in a certain song during worship. It was great. Then when they started the band, I loved all the little things he did when he sang - the different inflections on each song. Made me laugh cause I just loved it so much. He wrote some great lyrics. I actually got to sit in and help on one of the songs, and I'll never forget that. I can't believe I will never see him pull up to our house in his long ol' van again. Or that I won't see him on yahoo anymore, and be able to ask him questions. Or have him over for dinner (he really likes the wheat spaghetti), or let him beat me in Monopoly. There was so many more times I would have liked to share with him. I'm glad to call him my friend. I miss him.
Memories of Jordan Jimenez
Mr. Taylor was a great man and a great friend. I really liked his smile ,his great big hugs and I will always remember when he said goodbye. He would say to me, "Great seein' ya man, thanks for coming over, I really liked havin' you over" I loved it when he said that to me. I will always remember when I spent the night at his house and Pierce was asking me if I knew what exercise was and I thought he said extrasize so Pierce said to his dad "Jordan doesn't know what exercise is" and I said "oh exercise - I thought you said extrasize" and Mr. Taylor said "No Jordan, extrasize is what I wear" and we all started to laugh so hard. It was a great memory for me. I will always miss him alot. (especially his great laugh) and at least I know that he is up in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. I will always miss you Mr Taylor.
Memories of Jacob Jimenez
I am so shocked that all of this had happened and I don't really have alot of stories that I have to tell about Mr.Taylor. I remember when our family helped the Taylors move to Big Bear. Me, my dad, Whitney, and her dad were looking for a place for storage. Mr.Taylor was explaining his plans of moving to my dad. He said "Ya, we have to get out of our house by 5:30." My dad replies, "Dude, it's not gonna happen. It's 5:00 and we haven't even got everything into storage." Mr.Taylor looks at my dad very shocked and says, "Dude, I'm James Taylor, I will make it happen!" Ya, well it turned out that we didn't get everything into storage in time but we all celebrated anyways by having dinner at Dennys! Every time I would ask Mr.Taylor a question he'd fill me in on everything and would be so interested in saying it all. He was soooooo funny and always made everyone laugh. I'm glad I was able to know him and I'm glad I know his family. I loved his laugh and it always made me laugh. One time I showed him a movie that all of us kids made and he laughed SO hard. I never heard him laugh like that! I miss him very much but I'm glad I will see him once again in heaven.
Memories of Robyn Smith
My heart is so sad right now and yet so very happy that I had the privilege to know and love James Taylor. My husband and I met him at our school picnic a year ago. Here was this huge bear of a man with the biggest smile and warmest bear hug I have ever experienced. At that very minute I knew he was an awesome person and I was so lucky to be part of their school. Over this past year getting to know them and sharing meals, seeing each other on field trips has given me a joy I would never have thought possible. He was truly something special and the thought of not seeing him, of not having him as the leader of our school and Cory not growing up with his leadership is just too sad to think about right now and keeps me on my knees to the Lord. I love you James, and Norm and I will miss you so much. It's not often you meet a couple where all four people get along and become friends, but we had in James and Lorin. I remember telling James and Lorin that Norm and I feel we have met lifelong friends. Well, we have met eternity friends! You will be missed and our prayers are with Lorin, the kids and the rest of us who have to go on without you.
Memories of Jaclynn Jimenez
Mr Taylor was nice to me. He was being really funny with one of my toys. It was making him shake all over the place. It was a spikey shakey ball. He always called me Sweet Pea. One time I was singing "Wreckin' Machine" That's a song that James sings. My mommy asked me where did I hear that from. I said,"James. You know, James Taylor. He sings so sweet."
Memories of Ernie Macias III
Mr. Taylor was a funny & nice guy. I remember, during our testing this last year, Mr. Taylor wanted us to do the pledge of allegiance but we didn't have a flag. He went outside & grabbed someone's cell phone, which had an American Flag cover. So we pledged allegiance to the cell phone of the United States of America, with Liberty & Justice for all. We were all cracking up about it. :D
Memories of Whitney Taylor
James Taylor is my father, and he was the best there ever was. I remember telling him I wanted to be an actress, and every day after that he would try to find some way to help do that. When we went to Big Bear he took time out of the day to find the C.A.T.S group in Big Bear for me. And when my brother Piercey wanted to do Bmx racing he would take him to the track and fix up his bike and cheer him on at every race. And when my sister Gabby wanted to work with horses, he took her down to the stables to ride and he took her to get the job at the stables too. I miss him soooooo much. But it brings me comfort to know I will see him very soon. Thanks everyone.
Memories of Micci Rhodes
James and I worked together in the Purchasing Department at Chevron. He was such a cool guy. We had many conversations on life after death and his enthusiasm was contagious. He is without doubt holding the hand of Jesus. I remember going to listen to James play in his band and thinking how talented he was. He was always on the leading edge in his technology skills and I relied on his advice on many problems. We all shared in his joy when his children were born and watched him just glow when they were around. A wonderful father and husband. My thoughts and prayers to Lorin and his children. May your angels keep watch over you and lift your hearts.
Memories of Daniel Gurzi
I have never been more proud to be a christian than when I am with James. The guy has a way about him that was truly Christ-like. He always knows what to say and when to say it. I could sit here and go on and on about what I love about him. Essentially, the man can sing, he can play, he can hug, and he knows how to live. The most powerful thing I've ever seen him do, though, is smile every time he walked into a room...and everytime he left. I chose my verb tenses carefully, because James Taylor will continue to live through all of us...lest we forget. God Bless.
Memories of Corinne "Cory" Smith
I love you Mr. Taylor. I am going to miss you. You have nice hugs. I am glad you are in Heaven with Jesus and my Grandma Coco and my cat Tigger and my Aunt Sheila and Auntie Ma. Please tell them all hello and that I love them and miss them too. I will pray for Gabby and Whitney everyday and give them hugs and kisses for you. Love Cory.
Memories of Terri Daugherty
I worked directly with James only a few times but I can tell you that his reputation for kindness and the integrity of his character have left a lasting impression in my heart and mind. While many men talk of a life dedicated to Christ and spreading His word James made it happen. His kind words and smiling face made the room light up and the sincerity of heart showed through in the words he spoke. God has this beloved child at home with Him now and he will be missed in this world. Thank You James for living every day of your life as a man of honor.
Memories of Donna Parrish
I didn't know James, but as a person who has been blessed by the Lord in two ways,I was compelled to contribute to your request for help. The first blessing is that I am finacially able to help, but the second part is that I too sing in a praise band and at a point later than most people start this sort of thing (I started when I was 50) my walk with God has led me to the greatest joy I have ever known in my life, singing for Jesus. I feel connected because of the opportunity that the Lord has given me to make music and knowing Jesus has taught me that this is something I must do. I will treasure your CD always. May He comfort you and give you peace. Sincerely Donna Parrish
Memories of Midge Ellis
I have known James & Lorin for a long time - I'm Chuck's sister and Wanda's sister - in- law - last July at the family reunion we had so much fun with Jay and he was taking pictures and as always so friendly and had us laughing - he will be greatly missed and my prayers will be with the whole family at this time - If I can help in any way just let me know - Love Midge
Memories of Debbie Ivey
This is not really a story, but something I wanted to say. I knew James from Chevron and just wanted to say that I never saw him without that big smile of his. He always made me laugh....
Memories of Chris Camareno (Sr.)
I remember the first time I met James. It was at the first OBCC men's retreat. He sang "Yes We All Agree". I was struck to the core when he belted it out and it remained my favorite song to hear him sing. My favorite times with James were to just sit and talk with him. He was very intelligent and could converse on many subjects, but during our conversations he would almost always let out that infectious laugh - his trademark. I will miss him. It has been a blessing for Annette and I to call James and Lorin our friends in this life. Although we live far away now our hearts are bound to the Taylor family and we look forward to the time when we realize the blessed hope we have in Christ when we are united as His bride in heaven where we will see our brother again.
Memories of Community Hospital of S.B. Business Office
We remember the strong prayer that Jay gave at his mothers retirement party. His laughter and what a sense of humor everyone was glad that he was there.
Memories of Debbie Kaiman
One of my best memories of James happened about two years ago. He and Lorin came over to our house to talk about their vision for our school. They took time out of their busy lives to meet individually with each family so that our school could be a compilation of everyones vision, not just theirs. We had a great time. We laughed and talked and learned that our families were alot alike. James told us about how he and Lorin had worked a paper route to fund the downpayment on their first house. I remember the meeting was suppose to last 20 minutes, but I recall it lasted about two hours! Lorin and James are great people with big hearts and quite gentle spirits. I will miss James very much but I know he is with God and that is comfort to us all.
Memories of Charlie Kaiman
This summer Mr. Taylor met with me at his office to help me earn my First Class rank in Boy Scouts. We talked about our rights and responsibilities as citizens. He knew alot about this and we talked for awhile. When I left he shook my hand and said "thank you". I will miss Mr. Taylor, he is a very nice person.
Memories of Arlene Taylor
Jay will be in our thoughts forever! I remember when Jay, Lorin, Gabby, Whitney and Pierce came over to our new home to meet our new famly member Alyssa. He was happy that we had started our own family and before he left he gave us our blessings, blessed or new home, the baby and all I remember was that his words brought tears to my eyes knowing that he was speaking from his heart. We will miss him very much.
Memories of Skateland
It was a shock to hear about James. He was just a phone call away when we needed him. We would just like to send Loren and the kids our love and many prayers. May each of you find the strength and courage to keep his memory alive. James, thank you for being in our lives!
Memories of Unknown
Heaven's choir is complete.
Memories of The White Family
We haven't known the Taylors that long, but when we first met them John felt strongly that God was calling us to homeschool and to do it through WHCA. Part of that reason was the fact that he and James had worked for Chevron around the same time, knew some of the same people, just not each other. James and Lorin made us feel comfortable - right at home. Through different events during our school year we have come to know and love the Taylors. James will be missed by 'The White House' As Joni put it 'school is going to be different without James' We will miss his great smile, his laugh, and his silly jokes and remarks. John won't have anybody to get 'in trouble' with during the meetings. He was a true brother in Christ who will be truly missed. God must have greater plans for him in Heaven. John thinks they must need a heckler in the meetings in Heaven.
Memories of Holly McMahon
I met James Taylor when I attended Creek Park Community Church in La Mirada. While at the church, I was involved in the Worship Team with him. He was always supportive, and encouraged me to play boldly and with soul. At the time, I was a young high schooler, so this advice helped a lot, in that I was very nervous at most of our services. Also, one thing that will forever remind me of James Taylor, is when I hear the song, "Mary, Did you Know?". James sang this song every Christmas, and whenever I hear it, I always think of his rendition of it, with his rich and hearty voice belting praises to God.
Memories of Michael D. Gurzi
I first met James many years ago through our music ministries and shared concert events. I was blessed to have him as a band mate. When James played bass, I knew the groove was solid and he made me play better. Like his music, James had a rock solid groove with our Lord. He always praised Him, prayed to Him, and shared his belief in Him. I am truly blessed to have known him and I will miss him. Until we meet again my friend.....
Memories of Arlene Davis
I have to say that I enjoyed seeing James at all of our family functions. He had a wonderful smile and quite an infectious laugh.My fondest memory of him was at my Grandson Jordan's 10th. birthday party. They were playing a game where you had to put coins on top of your head, and then walk and try to place them in a bucket. Well, James being as tall as he was had to squat way down so that they could put the coins on his head. We were all cheering him on and he was having such a great time. I had so much fun that day anyway,but he sure did add to it. His wife and children were very blessed to have him for a husband and father. I mourn for them, and I will keep them in my prayers. I know that James is in a better place now. I really liked him. He was very nice to me every time I saw him.God Bless Lorin, Gabby, Whitney, and Pierce. With love and sympathy. Sincerely, Arlene Davis
Memories of Heather Grossman
As I take a good at look at who James Taylor was to me and to so many, I realize that when I saw James Taylor, I saw a man of God; a man who never compromised his faith, his beliefs or his family. This week has been one of conviction for me, as I reflect on my own personal relationship with the Lord and my loved ones. J.T. truly strived to be Christ-like and his daily life was so evident of that...can I say that about myself, have I truly, daily strived to fulfill the vows I made to my Lord Jesus, the day I asked Him to come into my life? I think not. I know that J.T's homegoing has been a wakeup call for me and many others; oh my prayer is that we may someday hear (as I am sure James is hearing now): "Well done, good and faithful servant. I am so blessed to have been blessed by and through him. Lauren, Whitney, Gabby and Peirce: we love you and are praying for you always.
Memories of Janice Stocz
James worked for Moen Industries for a little over 2 years and was still doing consulting work for us at the time of his passing. He sang at our Christmas parties while working here and also sang and played the bass with our company band for a while. He was very talented yet down-to-earth. He touched many lives in a positive way and we will miss him.
Memories of Bruce & Tambra Hofstetter
Once we decided our wedding date, James was one of the first phone calls we made. We were so blessed to have James sing his unique and soulful rendition of "Mary did you know?" On the other end of the vocal spectrum, we called on James to lend his voice to our puppet ministry, Lost & Found Puppets, where he recorded his loveable Jamacian character for us. His laugh was the loudest. His smile the brightest! His heart the biggest! He always gave his best! We'll miss ya' Big Jay. Love, Bruce, Tambra & Kid James
Memories of Jennifer L
I didn't know Mr. Taylor too well. I'm the same age as Gabby and Whitney and I'm their good friend. I know Mr. Taylor was a great dad, though. I didn't talk to him much, but I remember talking to him occasionally. He was a cool guy and will be truly missed. Mrs. Taylor, Whitney, Gabby, and Pierce, my prayers are with you.
Memories of Sue Kenney
I can not say I knew James nearly as much I would have liked to know him. It was my pleasure to see him at all the Jimenez family events and birthdays. He was like part of the family. I always looked forward to getting together with the Taylor family. James had such a strong presence about him. It seemed he almost glowed with the light of the Lord.We heard James sing and play his guitar at our Granddaughter's graduation party. He was AWESOME! We were very impressed! He always seemed to be willing to help others and be of assistance in any way he could. His bright smile and happy nature was infectious. He was just the kind of guy you wanted to run up to and hug. As others have said, he gave great bear hugs! I thought it was fitting for him to be moving to Big Bear, as that is what he reminded me of, a wonderful, great big teddy bear. He just had a way about him that would lift my spirit whenever I saw him. He had a very strong belief system and was not afraid to stand up for what he believed in. I am so saddened that I will not be seeing him at the Jimenez house the next time we visit. He will be missed so very much. I know I have been shedding many tears over this tragic loss and I didn’t even know him a fraction as well as his close friends and family. My heart aches for those who were so very close to him. I pray the Lord will help comfort you all. I know James is able to know about all the love that was and always will be felt for him. He is in his Fathers house and helping prepare a place for the rest of to join him when the Lord says it is time. His sweet spirit will always be in our hearts and we will always carry the fond memories with us always.I am grateful for this wonderful forum for everyone to express the love they have for James and for the Lord. It is a terrific idea!!! It seems to be truly an inspiration from the Lord! May God bless and comfort you all. My love and prayers are with you.
A poem came upon my heart for James and I would like to share it......
JAMES TAYLOR
Larger than life was his love of the Lord
And now hes gone home for his true reward
His mission took forty-four years here on earth
To show and teach others of their true worth
The love of his children was so plain to see
He helped them to be what they wanted to be
He brought such joy with his wonderful voice
And he showed us all that the Lord was his choice
He gave us all hope for the things that could be
He inspired us to reach for what he could see
His smile warmed our hearts and lifted us up
He encouraged us to go for the winners cup
He showed how to dream... and have faith,
how to take some risks that didn't seem safe
He was truly a man that knew he could win
But only with prayer and shunning all sin
And as a loving friend, he was always there
Always willing to give and show his deep care
He truly was an amazing man,
Helping the Lord carry out His great plan
We will all grieve and miss him, this is so true
But he helped us all see a much broader view
He left us with tools for how to keep going
Just follow the example that he was always showing
We will miss you James! You really are Larger than Life