James Edward Taylor

James E. Taylor, 90, of St. Joseph passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 4 PM until 6 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A time for sharing memories will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 3 PM at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club, 128 N. Pier St., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan or Sarett Nature Center. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. James was born on February 25, 1925 in Dowagiac to Ernest “Buck” and Clara (Chadima) Taylor. While attending Benton Harbor High School, James became a proud member of the Eagle Scouts. He graduated high school in 1943. On September 1, 1950 James married the love of his life, Elaine Bradley, in Glendale, CA. He returned home from California to take over Buck Taylor’s Insurance Company. James was a supply officer for the United States Navy, serving as a Lieutenant from 1943 until 1947 aboard the USS Taussig. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from University of Minnesota and graduated from the USN Supply Corps School of Harvard Business School. James worked for over 25 years and retired as the Vice President and Trust Officer for Farmers and Merchant Bank, which was bought out by NBD National Bank. James was a proud member of the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Rotary Club and Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club. James was part of the original Lightning Fleet at St. Joseph River Yacht Club and sailed on many Chicago to Mackinaw Island races. He also served on the Board of Review for Royalton Township.  James was an avid golfer at Berrien Hills Country Club and enjoyed skiing, fishing, and hunting. James is survived by his children, Sharon (Stan Jones) Taylor Sarris of Aptos, CA, Janet (Donald) Radde of Benton Harbor, and Melanie Taylor of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Matthew (Courtney), Andrew and Tyler Radde, and Bradley and Megan Taylor; 3 great-grandchildren; and his loyal Scottish Terrier, Angus. James was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Clara; wife, Elaine; son, Brad Taylor; and brother, John Taylor.