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James Taylor Obituary
TAYLOR, James Brian
January 19, 1948 - April 26, 2025
With sadness we announce that Jim has departed this world having succumbed to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Born in Calgary, Jim graduated from St. Francis High School in 1965 and spent his early life there exploring diverse interests including chemistry and music.
A superb violinist who achieved Grade 8 with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Jim led the Mount Royal Conservatory Junior Orchestra. Later as a guitarist, he performed extensively as a professional musician with Calgary bands Portland Street South and Taylormade, a highlight being headlining the Calgary Stampede Parade, while working as a chemical technologist. Always a hobbyist, Jim raised saltwater fish and later cats until he developed allergies to them!
Jim's enthusiasm for learning led him to move to Victoria in 1984 where he attended the University of Victoria as a mature student. With great tenacity and pride, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, culminating in a Professional Engineering Designation.
After health issues forced a change in focus, Jim turned his attention to the care of colourful small parrots with a special interest in lories, becoming an internationally renowned expert in lory breeding. Through the Victoria Bird Club, Jim connected with many likeminded bird enthusiasts who became cherished friends, especially Asha and Bob.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Denver and Gladys, his sister Doreen Jones, and his musician/songwriter son Matthew Wagner (nee Taylor). Jim is survived and greatly missed by his wife Patty, his sister Marilynne (Gerard) Lambert, daughters Zenah Laurie (Mohamad) El-Rafih, Jaime (Michael) Taylor, stepchildren Mitch Erickson, Trevor (Glenda) Erickson and Dana Marcano, and grandchildren Tony, Asiyah, Beezy, Ari, and Cleo. He also leaves great-grandson Zakki, nieces Teresa, Christine and Karen, and nephews Chris, Dan and John.
We are grateful for the friendship shown by his best friends Steve Scott and Roger Horan. The family also thanks Dr. Nero and the entire team in 6D north at Victoria General Hospital for their compassionate care.
Jim was a lifelong scientist with a passion for learning. Rest in peace dear friend.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held later this year in Calgary.
January 19, 1948 - April 26, 2025
With sadness we announce that Jim has departed this world having succumbed to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Born in Calgary, Jim graduated from St. Francis High School in 1965 and spent his early life there exploring diverse interests including chemistry and music.
A superb violinist who achieved Grade 8 with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Jim led the Mount Royal Conservatory Junior Orchestra. Later as a guitarist, he performed extensively as a professional musician with Calgary bands Portland Street South and Taylormade, a highlight being headlining the Calgary Stampede Parade, while working as a chemical technologist. Always a hobbyist, Jim raised saltwater fish and later cats until he developed allergies to them!
Jim's enthusiasm for learning led him to move to Victoria in 1984 where he attended the University of Victoria as a mature student. With great tenacity and pride, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, culminating in a Professional Engineering Designation.
After health issues forced a change in focus, Jim turned his attention to the care of colourful small parrots with a special interest in lories, becoming an internationally renowned expert in lory breeding. Through the Victoria Bird Club, Jim connected with many likeminded bird enthusiasts who became cherished friends, especially Asha and Bob.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Denver and Gladys, his sister Doreen Jones, and his musician/songwriter son Matthew Wagner (nee Taylor). Jim is survived and greatly missed by his wife Patty, his sister Marilynne (Gerard) Lambert, daughters Zenah Laurie (Mohamad) El-Rafih, Jaime (Michael) Taylor, stepchildren Mitch Erickson, Trevor (Glenda) Erickson and Dana Marcano, and grandchildren Tony, Asiyah, Beezy, Ari, and Cleo. He also leaves great-grandson Zakki, nieces Teresa, Christine and Karen, and nephews Chris, Dan and John.
We are grateful for the friendship shown by his best friends Steve Scott and Roger Horan. The family also thanks Dr. Nero and the entire team in 6D north at Victoria General Hospital for their compassionate care.
Jim was a lifelong scientist with a passion for learning. Rest in peace dear friend.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held later this year in Calgary.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Aug. 16 to Aug. 18, 2025.
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