James Taylor Sr. was born on September 17, 1955 in Brooklyn, NY to Elmor Jackson Taylor and Claire Wetton Taylor. He spent his early years with his parents and siblings in Brooklyn. He attended New Utrecht High School, graduated in 1974 and joined the workforce. He held numerous positions before finding his passion; which was working at the Damon House as a drug and alcohol treatment counselor. He held this position for many years and was able to make a huge impact on many recovering addicts during his time there. In his later years, he joined Madison Security Corporation where he switched career paths and moved into the security business. He worked at Madison Security until his retirement.

James (affectionately known as "Jim") enjoyed basketball and was a skilled Martial Arts instructor for many years. He was always full of wisdom, positivity, love and light. Jim would always support and encourage those around him to strive for better and to believe that God was in control - we just needed to trust in Him. This was a motto he lived by and held firm to as he battled and overcame cancer and complications from long-Covid. As he pressed through health issues, he was determined to leave his fight in God's hands and on Thursday, May 3rd, Jim departed this life and began his eternal rest.

While Jim touched the hearts of those who loved him, the one who loved him most is his son, James "Tarrell." Jim is survived by 1 child; James "Tarrell" Taylor Jr., 1 brother; Howard Taylor, 1 sister; Marie Taylor, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will all miss him dearly but will remember him for who he was and all that he deposited into each heart he touched.