JAMES EUGENE TAYLOR

1937 - 2025

MELBA - Melba, Idaho - James Eugene Taylor, 88, of Melba, died on July 29, 2025.

James was born on May 24, 1937, in Boise, Idaho, to Victor and Doris (Atkinson) Taylor. He graduated from Nampa High School in 1955. When he was not working with his father building houses or working as a lineman for the Telephone company, James was spending much of his time flying. James met Meredith Gail (Kubik) at Civil Air Patrol and married on November 2, 1963, at Sacred Heart Catholic church.

In 1974, James and Merry moved to Melba, where James started Taylor Aviation crop dusting business. Farmers all over the valley had their very own crop duster living in Melba. James also was a flight instructor for most of his life. James retired from the military with an honorable discharge as Army Chief Warrant Officer 4, with 24 combined years of service between Air and Army National Guard.

In April 1990. James met and married Jane Pontious from Vancouver, Washington. James and Jane enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren on their farm in Melba, Idaho. James and Jane loved the Lord and were active members of Lutheran brethren Church on 730 west Roosevelt Ave, Nampa, Idaho.

Friends and neighbors will remember him as being honest and fair, and the man who loved to fly.

James is survived by his sister, Mary Jo Presley, and his brother's wife, Delores June Taylor, his children, James Victor Taylor (Mary), Teri Roark Herz (Robert), Kimberly Taylor and Steven Taylor. Nieces, Tamara Taylor and Diana Drake. Grandchildren, Gail Oostenraad Boon (Keith), Tina Turner (Keith), Krystal Younger, Michael Day (Sadie), Kassandra Rodin, James TJ Taylor (Manami), Sarah Taylor, Katia Taylor, Stevie Taylor, Taylor Roark, Amanda Roark Holden (Nick), Bobby Herz, Chris Herz. Great Grandchildren, Victoria Milliman, Brayden Bohrn, Caleb Milliman, James Milliman, Andre Dixon, Damian Dixon, Sakura Taylor, Isabella Taylor, Sayuki Taylor, Emma Taylor, Azalea Day, Jordan Day, Embrys Holden.

James is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jane Taylor, Parents Victor and Doris Taylor, his brother Victor Sheldon Taylor, and Bill Presley, his brother-in-law.