James Edward "J. T." Taylor

Mr. James Edward "J.T." Taylor of Somerville, Tennessee departed this life Wednesday, August 27, 2014 in a crop dusting accident at the age of 73 years and 10 months.

A lifelong resident of the Somerville area, Mr. Taylor was born Sunday, October 27, 1940 to the late Andrew and Niecie Clark Taylor. He graduated with the Class of 1958 from Somerville High School and served in the Tennessee National Guard for eight years. On July 11, 1997, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Joyce Taylor, who survives. He worked as a cropduster for 44 years, and owned & operated James and Joyce Taylor Flying Service. He was also a certified airframe and powerplant mechanic.

He was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he played guitar. He also volunteered with his band at NHC and Bluegrass Village, and sang and played music at Open Mic Night on the square in Bolivar. Among his hobbies, he was a fur taker, enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and trapping, and was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

In addition to his wife of 17 years, Mr. Taylor is survived by his daughters, Sherri Brown and husband Art of Bolivar, Edith Mallett and husband Tony of Whiteville, and Jamie McAfee of Atoka; sons, James Taylor, Jr. and wife Tinna of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Robert Taylor and wife Mallorie of Jackson, Wade Thurmond and wife Jennifer of Medon, and Joey Thurmond and wife Holly of Hickory Valley; brother, Leonard Taylor of Moscow; thirteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Donations made in memory of Mr. Taylor may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate), LeBonheur Children's Hospital (www.lebonheur.org/ways-to-help/donate-now), The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate) or to the donor's choice of charities.