James Willis Taylor

James Willis Taylor of Hopewell Township passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2010. He was 53 years old. James was born on August 8, 1956 to Dr. Frank W. Taylor and Martha Curl Taylor and grew up in Maumee, Ohio. He graduated from Maumee High School in 1974 and subsequently attended the University of Toledo. He married his high school sweetheart, Katheryn Berry Taylor, on July 16, 1977. James and Kathy moved to Hopewell in 1979 and there raised their two daughters, Elycia, 27, and Colleen, 26. James will be remembered for his sunny outlook, warmth, and sense of humor. He was a doting husband, loving and proud father, and loyal friend. James found the Lord in his adult life and drew great strength from his faith. He was a very active member of House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Aliquippa, where he frequently served as assistant minister. James interests and hobbies were wide-ranging. He was an insatiable reader and enthusiastic lifelong learner. He instilled a love of music in his daughters and for years participated with them in his churchs choir. James strong work ethic was a defining aspect of his personality. Most recently he worked at Horsehead Corporations zinc-processing facility. Previous work included a 13-year career at Anchor Hocking Specialty Glass Company, and, earlier, nearly two decades as a dental technician. Jewelry-making was a beloved hobby that led to a part-time career as a goldsmith at Glatz Jewelers. James is survived by Kathy, his wife of 33 years, daughter Elycia and her partner Brian Ward, daughter Colleen, son-in-law Brett Slatkin, his parents Frank and Martha Taylor, father-in-law Duane P. Berry, brother Jay and his wife Christine, sister Jackie, brother Bob and his wife Roxanne, sister Joette Parker and her husband Gene, sister Janet Taylor Pontasch, siblings-in-law Steve Berry, Linda Berry, and Rob Berry, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Janet Berry. Memorial services will be held at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 2100 W Irwin St., Aliquippa, PA on Tuesday July 27th, 2010 at 3:00 pm. A Memorial service will also be held at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 112 E Wayne St., Maumee, OH on Thursday July 29, 2010 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Maumee. In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones are invited to make donations to the Keller and Taylor Families Memorial Fund at USW Local 8183, 1445 Market St., Beaver, PA 15009. Arrangements by Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Maumee. Online condolences may be made at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com