Jimmie Hugh Taylor

Jim was born to Howard Eugene Taylor, Sr., and Alice Beatrice White at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He had one older brother, Howard Eugene, Jr., known as Gene. His father was a professional soldier. When Jim was just two years old, his father was sent to Okinawa for 3 years. Then he was stationed at various places in the United States. Jim attended nine different schools in 12 years, but it seems that the family always returned to the North Little Rock, Arkansas, area. After graduating from North Little Rock High School, Jim attended Arkansas State University, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He joined Sigma Phi Epsilon, where he developed long-lasting relationships with guys he still considers brothers forever. Jim joined the Army in 1975 and was stationed in Germany. He served as the photographer on the OV1D Mohawk. He fell in love with his Army adventure. After four years, he left the Army so he could pursue a college degree. After graduating he went back in the Army in the Signal Corps as an officer. He had many challenging adventures and rose to the rank of Captain. He married Susan Vernon in 1980, and they were blessed with three wonderful children: Mitchell Bruce, Mark Howard, and Leah Ellen. He is very proud of his children. He led by example in the Army and at home. Jim took an early retirement from the Army in 1993. The family moved to Tucson. Jim went to work at Arizona Boys Ranch – a boot camp for juvenile offenders. Jim was always very active in various sports. He ran 22 marathons, a dozen or so half marathons, and many 10ks. He loved to road bike, mountain bike, snow board, and hike. In 1996 he married Joan Kleinman in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also worked at the Boys Ranch as a teacher. In 2007 Jim decided to go back into the Army, this time as a Quarter Master. He deployed to Afghanistan. When he returned, the Army sent him to Ft. Riley, Kansas. Then he deployed to Iraq. After he finished his deployment, the Army sent him for one last assignment to Ft. Carson, Colorado. Jim and Joan lived there for 8 years. In 2019 they came back to Tucson. Both Jim and Joan retired. Jim spent the last 6 months of his life preparing to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, which he accomplished May 4-7, 2024. The picture you see of him was taken from the bottom. You can see the South Rim in the far distance. He lost his life in an unfortunate hiking accident in Madera Canyon, south of Tucson. He is sorely missed, but will be forever remembered.