James Taylor

A memorial service for James Taylor will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ernie Bishop of the Christian Church officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #42. Jim was born April 11, 1952, in Mitchell, South Dakota. He passed away March 29, 2012 at the age of 59. Jim joined the United States Navy in 1971 and served until 1980. Jim met the love of his life at Charlie's Pizza in Mitchell, South Dakota. He married Cheryl Otten in 1972, and they made their home in Long Beach, California. Following his military service he moved to Gillette, Wyoming with his wife, Cheryl and daughter, Amber where he worked as a mechanic at Western Gas Resources/Anadarko. Jim had a lust for life that included hunting and fishing with his friends and especially with his daughter. Jim and Amber went on many hunting trips to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with their friends John Hayden, Steve and Deb Allison their children Corey, Kevin and Tonya, Bob Hatch and many others. Family camping trips were a tradition as were trips to Keyhole reservoir. Jim had many hobbies but will be most remembered for his ability to paint beautifully in oil, acrylic and other media. Jim was a very warm and accepting man, he was proud of the diversity that was present in his family. One of his favorite sayings was "our family is full of CANS, mexiCANS, afriCANS and ameriCANS." Jim's light, laughter, generosity and wisdom will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Jim is survived by his wife of 23 years and lifelong friend, Cheryl Taylor; his daughter, Amber Wells; his son, James N. Taylor, his two granddaughters: Chloe Thomas and Claire Wells and his dog Chewby. He was preceded in death by his father Albert (Jack) Taylor, his mother Lois Taylor and his brother Ronald Taylor. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Jim's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com. Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716