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James Taylor Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Taylor
sandy newman devine
April 30, 2025
Poly Reunion March 22, 2025
Jeff Perlman
April 30, 2022
Miss you very much; Recall some of your wisdom every day.
Sidney Muldrow, LHS, W'69, James B. Taylor and Johnnie Morgan, LHS, S'69 attend the Alain Leroy Locke High School Dedication of the Quad to Mr. Taylor on May 15, 2014.
May 1, 2021
KIMBERLY (HAYNES) GRESLIE
May 1, 2020
Mr. Taylor was loved by every one who ever had the pleasure of meeting him, he touched so many of our hearts & for some of us made us pretty much of who we are today. Memories of this amazing Gentleman will be live with me forever.
Linda Horvath
April 30, 2020
Mr. Taylor was Vice Principal while I attended Poly and was a fantastic person and was always there for us! Nothing but wonderful memories and respect for this great person!
Linda Williams
August 12, 2016
Thank you , for keeping the candle light burning. Dr. Taylor's legacy will forever be alive just as the memorial service, one of which that should not have been missed because it too will be a memory well etched into the minds of all attended.
Tamara and Bob Sweet
August 11, 2016
We enjoyed reading these comments about a great and honorable man loved and admired by so many.
Taylor Family: I.
Valerie Williams
July 20, 2016
Taylor Family: I.
Valerie Williams
July 20, 2016
Shared memory at Memorial Service
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Locke Founders Alumni Reunite
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Representatives of Classes 69 & 70 with JBT
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Locke Alumni Founders
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Recognition Ceremony honoring JBT Stephanie Brûlé '69 and Linda Williams '70 w
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Linda '70, Johnnie '69 & Pat '69 with James B. Taylor
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Autographing of Locke's first yearbook
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Locke's Quad dedication
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Locke's first alumni females with JBT 2012
Linda Williams
July 18, 2016
Janet (Buchan) (Frost) Simmons
July 17, 2016
You can't remember our High School days at Poly without Mr. Taylor in his white shirtsleeves rolled up walking around the campus stopping random students asking how their day was going. Every football game he would run out of the stands to lead the Cheer give me a P. Give me an O.Give me an L. Give me a Y..and what does it spell.......POLY...yeah..Every football game ...I was't ever really in contact with Mr Taylor but I have great memories of him as he was such a great presence on campus the whole 3 years we were at Poly...May He Rest in Peacce..
Janet (Buchan) Simmons
July 17, 2016
You can't remember our High School days at Poly without Mr. Taylor in his white shirtsleeves rolled up walking around the campus stopping random students asking how their day was going. Every football game he would run out of the stands to lead the Cheer give me a P. Give me an O.Give me an L. Give me a Y..and what does it spell.......POLY...yeah..Every football game ...I was't ever really in contact with Mr Taylor but I have great memories of him as he was such a great presence on campus the whole 3 years we were at Poly...May He Rest in Peacce..
Prestine McGhee
July 16, 2016
To the Taylor Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences and prayers of comfort to you and all those that had the privilege to be touched by the life of James B. Taylor. I was blessed with the opportunity to be among Alain Leroy Locke High School's FIRST! Although, we only had Mr. Taylor for one year as Principal the impact he place in our life journey is everlasting. The one most thing that stands out for me is shirt sleeves rolled up and him being amongst the students daily. He was ever present! Thank you for the memories and lessons!!! (C/O W'70) R.I.H.
Phyllis White
July 12, 2016
Rest eternally with Jesus, Mr. Taylor! Blessings, comfort, and peace be unto your family. Amen...
Attended Locke High 1967, Graduating Class of Summer '69....AVAILIANISTICS! Always a Saint!
Rudy Barbee '72
July 12, 2016
Accepting the mantle to lead a new high school in South Los Angeles, Mr. Taylor and staff set the "normal" standard of excellence at Locke HS I was later to enjoy! THANK YOU for the Academics, Arts, Athletics as well as internal and external pride of being a Saint !
Kenneth King
July 11, 2016
Valerie DILLARD-Maxwell
July 10, 2016
Mr. Taylor was an amazing man and an excellent principal. When I come to Locke High in its first year. I had never had an opportunity to have a principal that cared for us with all of his heart. You taught us excellence and gave many of us the will and determination to be all that we could be as we continued our life journey. I thank God for you in my life and have spoken about you many, many times. You have been an extraordinary blessing to many. My God continue to comfort your family as I know they miss you terribly.
Diane Lewis-Peters
July 9, 2016
RIP
Janice Smith
July 8, 2016
Dr James B Taylor was the first principal of Alaine Leroy Locke High School in Los Angeles. His leadership, experience and presence made a great impression on me and so many others. I pray and send condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing your loved one with us. Janice Smith, Salutatorian, Summer Class 1969.
Janice Smith
July 8, 2016
Dr James B Taylor was the first principal of Alaine Leroy Locke High School in Los Angeles. His leadership, experience and presence made a great impression on me and so many others. I pray and send condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you for sharing your loved one with us. Janice Smith, Salutatorian, Summer Class 1969.
James Carloss
July 8, 2016
I remember walking through the brand new halls of Alain Leroy Locke High School when it opened in September, 1967. There were a couple of things about Locke that were different than any other school that I'd attended. The students in the music program were unbelievably good and that made for widespread school pride. The main force behind that pride was Dr. James B. Taylor. The second thing that was different was that Dr. Taylor would be the only black principal that I ever had. His speeches were motivating and his spirit was infectious. We students had the utmost love and respect for him. I can still remember Dr. Taylor rolling up his sleeves and taking orders at the outside windows in the cafeteria at lunch. I was in the third class (Winter 1970) to graduate under Dr. Taylor. Forty six years later, I've forgotten some of my teacher's names, but I will always remember the greatest principal I ever had. R.I.P. Dr. Taylor.
Linda Williams
July 8, 2016
Dr. James B. Taylor was my Principal at Locke High, a newly constructed high school (1967) for the underserved students in South Central Los Angeles. He was not only a symbolic Black leader for our community, but an a person of integrity with compassion who motivated us to set goals. He was so visible, a hands on type of administrator. He will forever be remembered as the leader, the icon of self pride, a utility in the promotion of good spirit, with a message of love and unity. His student body speeches inspired us to believe we can achieve the greatest things this world has to offer. Undoubtedly, he fulfilled his earthly journey where God is well pleased. Gone James Taylor in the flesh, but never to be forgotten, his spirit lives in our hearts. Thank you, Taylor family for sharing him with us.
Rosie MCNUTT Holden
July 8, 2016
Our deep felt condolescenses to this wonderful man. He will long be remembered for his tenancy in the urban school district. Mr. Taylor was my principal at Locke High. He truly will be missed. Rosie MCNUTT Holden
June 27, 2016
What a privilege to have known Mr. Taylor. Poly opened in February of 1957 and he was the Boys VP. We didn't know or care about the "politics" that placed him in our school. We just came to admire and trust him as a wonderful leader. Deepest sympathy to his family. A very great man on earth now walks with the Angels.
Michele Mattox Fair - S59 grad
Joe Magruder
June 13, 2016
Jim was my Sunday School teacher almost 60 years ago. He expanded my understanding of the world in so many good ways. I cherish my time with him.
Jack Siart
May 24, 2016
Mr. Taylor was our principal at J H Francis Polytechnic High School when we graduated in 1966. A sub committee of the 50th Reunion Committee is working to establish a scholarship in his name at the school. Anyone interested in helping, donating or learning more please email me at [email protected].
Ron Rifkin
May 18, 2016
Dan Wolfson
May 17, 2016
I remember Mr. Taylor addressing everyone at a large student assembly in the Poly gym. He advised us to use four simple respectful terms for success in life: "Yes sir, no sir, please and thank you" and then, wearing a suit and tie as usual, he ran and jumped over the long horse! We all went crazy with applause. What a great man and an inspiration to this day.
Linda (Bell) Horvath
May 15, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Mr Taylor's family. RIP Mr Taylor. We love you and owe you so much.
Senior Picture
Linda (Bell) Horvath
May 15, 2016
I graduated from Poly with the S'62 Meridian class. Mr Taylor and Mr Lewis were dynamic and they each had a way of reaching out to their students! Never once did Mr Taylor seem to busy to talk with or listen to a student. Both Mr Taylor and Mr Lewis truly had an open door policy and they had the respect of the student body. I will never forget the kindness and the wonderful example set for us by Mr Taylor. He will always be sweet in our memories.
May 14, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalms 116:15)
May 13, 2016
What a blessing it was for all of us who had the opportunity to learn from a man who wasn't just a school administrator but a true leader and roll model for all of those crossed his path.
Each of our lives have been enriched by who he was and what he represented. We're all better because of him.
While his passing is a loss for all, he lived a long rewarding life and left an indelible mark on each of us.
Bob Hitchcock
Poly class of W'64
Linda Lew Kim, Retired Principal, LAUSD
May 12, 2016
Mr. Taylor positively influenced so many of us who attended John Adams Jr. High in the '50s! He was our favorite Math teacher and modeled, through his example, teaching excellence. He was one of the reasons many became teachers in the LAUSD! He truly left his mark! We were blessed to have known him!
May 12, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Taylor. As a student at the high school in which he was the Boys Vice Principal and than Principal his personality and management style had a tremendous impact upon the education I received that sowed the seeds for professional success.
Judge Kenneth Mark Burr (Retired)
Lee Kagan
May 11, 2016
Everybody loved Mr. Taylor and I was right up there as one of his biggest fans. When I recall James Taylor (Mr. Taylor) I remember him as a paragon of dignity, humility, honesty and caring. A tall man with an imposing bearing and impeccable grooming, I can't picture him ever being at school wearing anything other than a suit. I sometimes wondered, "Man, what are you doing here?" as though through some lucky fluke we'd been assigned a corporate CEO as our principal. The man was impressive.
But what you saw on the outside was more than matched by what he carried on the inside. Thoughtful, gentle, never openly angry, principled, wise, and sincerely concerned with the welfare of his charges and of his school. To spend five minutes with the guy was to like him. No teenager's problem was too small or too trivial for him to give it his serious, honest attention. he made you feel like you mattered. That's a gift.
People have mentioned his "Principal of the Year" votes from his students, his cheer leading at Friday night football games (always a comical performance of exaggerated seriousness), and the conferences and retreats with students from predominantly African-American high schools. I most remember him as a role model of decency and kindness. There are very few like him and he is sorely missed.
My condolences to his family. May they take comfort in words offered here by those who were fortunate enough to have been blessed by his friendship and wisdom. May his memory be a blessing for us all.
Lee Kagan
Poly 1966
Sandy Newman Dailey Devine
May 11, 2016
My deepest condolences to Mr Taylor's family. He was definitely a trailblazer, but as a student at Poly from 1961 to 1964, we were not aware of politics. We saw Mr. Taylor as our principal, whom we respected. He was always fair yet firm. A highlight to our reunions was knowing he would be there with us. We will miss him dearly. I am just thankful he was my principal and I can say I knew the great man who had a school named after him. We love you Mr. Taylor.
Doris Hightree / Binaco
May 11, 2016
Mr Taylor came to our 50th class reunion in 2012. Standing ovation for him, so respected. Meridians S'62. In an earlier message I wrote the wrong year.
May 7, 2016
He was the best Boys VP that anyone could have known. He knew all our names and help us all. I know he help me over the years. I glad I was able to meet him one more time on our 35th reunion.
God Rest!!
Bill Fairbanks S61
No. Grafton, MA
Diana (Maryott) Sande
May 7, 2016
We all loved Mr. Taylor, he was one of the great "good guys" of our time (graduate of 1961). My wishes to his family of continued blessings.
Ron Herbert
May 7, 2016
I had great respect for Mr. Taylor and have thought of him often since I graduated Poly in 1961. He was a true inspiration and guiding light. Rest in peace Sir.
Bill Olmstead
May 7, 2016
A wonderful man. I was a high school "bad boy" and Mr. Taylor gave me several breaks and counseling and led me on the right path. I owe him a lot
Tom Jacobson
May 7, 2016
I owe whatever meager success I achieved in life to that great and dedicated high school principal, James B. Taylor. Dr. Taylor taught us how to think, how to use judgment and how to approach obstacles with a "can do" attitude. He placed high expectations on us, and was always there to cheer us on. He was a role model in a world with very few true heroes. In condolences to his family, they can be assured James Taylor was truly an inspirational and outstanding person of integrity.
Ronnie Bish
May 7, 2016
A truly great man, his kind does not come along often.
Wally Davidson
May 7, 2016
My condolences to the Taylor Family. His life was filled with meaning and purpose and he used them to help many. RIP Mr. Taylor
Wally Davidson
May 7, 2016
My condolences to the Taylor family. His life was full of meaning and purpose and he used both to better a lot of people. RIP Mr. Taylor
Sue Spink
May 6, 2016
Mr. Taylor was my Principal at Poly High School. He was a wonderful leader and was highly respected by all the students. When I was in 11th grade the local radio station had a Principal of the Year contest. I remember signing, and helping pass out postcards for students to send in, voting for him. It was exciting when he won over all the Principals in the city. He was much beloved.
May 6, 2016
Mr. Taylor was the Principal at Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California during the mid-1960s.
He was promoted from Vice Principal to Principal due to popular demand even though this was not generally permitted at that time.
We students overwhelmingly voted him as the most popular Principal in the entire Los Angeles School District.
Due to Mr. Taylor's efforts, some of us were lucky enough to be selected to attend a weekend retreat with leaders of the senior class from Jefferson High School located in South Central Los Angeles the year after the Watts riots. This was truly a life-changing experience for me.
I fondly remember a film that Mr. Taylor appeared in with his wife and our teacher Mr. Dash to inspire African-American students to take advantage of their opportunities and to maximize their potential.
He was an inspiration to all of us. Years later, when I worked as an attorney for a government agency which had established a program with the LAUSD, Mr. Taylor greeted me with his usual warmth and charm. I was pleasantly surprised that he would even remember me over a decade after my graduation from Poly.
Rest in peace, Mr. Taylor. You had a tremendous influence in my life and those of many other Poly students.
Carl Shusterman
Karen Cates
May 6, 2016
Will never forget his kindness, sweet nature, the respect he showed all the kids. A truly great man, mentor & leader. I was in Meridian class of '62 & have never forgotten him.
Doris Hightree Binaco
May 6, 2016
Simply the best, he helped make us kids the best we could be.
Meridians summer 1962 Graduate
He came to our 50 year class reunion in 2016. My condolences to his family.
Kimberly Haynes Greslie
May 6, 2016
Condolences to the James B. Taylor family.
Although he is no longer with us, his memory & that amazing mile will live in my heart forever. What a honor to have this man for my Principle & friend after all these years. He taught so many of us the true meaning of friendship & honor & now how fitting it is to have his Celebration of his life be healed in the Friendship Auditorium. Rest with your Angels & keep that beautiful smile shining down on all of us. Fondly Kimberly Haynes Greslie
John Callin
May 6, 2016
There is little that I can add to the sentiments expressed, thus far, for Mr. Taylor. He was an exceptional man, a man of the highest character. He was an educator. Though his classroom days were over, when he was at Poly, he still educated us through his actions. God Bless You, Mr. Taylor. Yours was a life well spent
Steven Krivit
May 6, 2016
My condolences to Mr. Taylor's family. He was my Principal at Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, CA. Mr. Taylor was a great man. He leaves an incomparable legacy. He inspired students to be better people. In 1965-1966, he organized exchange programs between Poly students and students at inner city high schools, namely Fremont and Jefferson, so that his Poly students would have opportunities to meet with other high schoolers who we would otherwise never have known. Principled, measured, trustworthy: we were so fortunate to have this man touch us during such a formative time in our lives. My class, like others, were honored beyond words to see him at class reunions, even some 40 years after our graduation. May you rest in peace, Mr. Taylor.
Steven Krivit
May 6, 2016
My condolences to Mr. Taylor's family. He was my Principal at Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, CA. He was a respected man. Mr. Taylor was a great man. He leaves an incomparable legacy. He inspired students to be better people. He was willing to do the unconventional to enrich our high school lives even beyond the classroom and athletic field. In the 1960s, he organized exchange programs between Poly students and students at inner city high schools, namely Fremont and Jefferson, so that his Poly students would have opportunities to meet with other high schoolers who we would otherwise never have known and to enrich our lives. Principled, measured, trustworthy: we were so fortunate to have this man touch us during such a formative time in our lives. My class, like others, were honored beyond words to see him at class reunions, even some 40 years after our graduation. May you rest in peace, Mr. Taylor.
Janet Morgan
May 6, 2016
RIP Mr. Taylor, you will be missed!
Janet Morgan
May 6, 2016
Can't say enough about this man. He became Principle while I attended Poly High. He was the most dedicated, involved, energetic man. He attended all of our games & led cheers. He really supported the school & the students. Fortunately back then I don't remember there being a color line. We all were proud & lucky to have him as our Principle & everyone loved him. Mr. Taylor even came to all our reunions, but didn't make our last one, which was our 50th yr. reunion. But he led the Poly cheer at each reunion that he attended. Still had the energy! I'm sure he will be missed by anyone that was connected to him in any way. Prayers & Blessings to his family. He was an extraordinary man. RIP Mr. Taylor! You will never be forgotten!
Ron Rifkin
May 6, 2016
Mr. Taylor was an inspiration to all who had the great fortune to know him. As a student at Poly High, I knew him as our principal, and he was without a doubt the most loved person on the campus. A man of great character, optimism, and energy, he even led cheers at our sporting events. His memory remains in all the students with whom he ever had contact.
Carol Fisher
May 6, 2016
Wonderful Man
Andrea (Andee) Goldstein Gibbs
May 6, 2016
Mr. Taylor was my Hero! He was the Best Principal any high school student could hope to have! His door was always open and he was always welcoming. He listened. He heard. He helped. He was kind. He was caring. He was compassionate. It's been fifty years since graduation and he still means the world to me. Rest in Peace Mr. Taylor. You will forever be remembered and loved for the Exceptional human being you are!!! Thank You for being such a positive influence on my life as well as thousands of others! You are a Profile in Courage! Your legacy will live on forever!
Charlene Shishido-Hisayasu
May 6, 2016
As a Poly student (W'67), I especially remember how much we Poly students loved and respected Mr. Taylor. When a local teen radio station held a contest (KFWB-1965?), the Poly student body made sure that Mr. Taylor was voted "Principal of the Year" for the greater Los Angeles area. In his sincere humble manner, he donated the "prizes" to others but I'd like to think he felt all the admiration we held for him.
My sincere condolences go to his family. We are all much better for having had him and his example in our lives.
Melanie (Katz)Smith
May 6, 2016
We were truly blessed to have him as our Principal. I remember one of the local Radio stations was having a contest for the best Principal in L.A. area and the students all got together and called in our votes and he won that contest around 1965. One of the things that always stayed in my mind was his Wonderful smile and how he always greeted everyone by their 1ST name. He has left many good lasting memories.
Tim Shpall
May 6, 2016
Mr. Taylor was an Amazing Man!! He Was Simply The Best!! R.I.P. Mr. Taylor, and thank you for always being there...
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