James Taylor

TAYLOR, Jr., James "Jimmy"

James Pickens Taylor, Jr, or "Jimmy", age 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 20, 2026. A native of Atlanta, he was born on March 1, 1942. Jimmy attended S.M. Inman Elementary School and graduated from Henry W. Grady High School in 1960, where he played varsity football and baseball and was in the JROTC. He was very active in his church, winning multiple city-wide televised bible quiz shows with other youth in 1957. He attended Newberry College (1961) and received his BA from Oglethorpe University in 1963. Jimmy received his MA in counseling from Appalachian State University in 1968 and completed further graduate work in Education Administration at Atlanta University.

Jimmy was employed by Atlanta Public Schools for 38 years (1963-2001). He was a teacher, counselor, and coach at Roosevelt High School for 6 years (1963-1969) where he taught social studies and drivers education, and coached football, baseball, track, and girls basketball. He then served as Principal at Grant Park for 3 years (1969-1972), Tull Waters for 19 years (1972-1991), John B. Gordon for 2 years (1991-1993), and Lakewood Heights Elementary School for 8 years (1993 to 2001). He was beloved by many teachers and students during his tenure with the Atlanta Public Schools. As a family, when shopping or eating, there would often be calls of "Hey, Mr. Taylor!" and the family would not know who it was. But later in the car, he would share the person's name, what school they went to, and how long they attended that school.

Jimmy loved US and Georgia history, traveling, studying his family's genealogy and spending time with family at their home or at the Florida beach house. Most family vacations were educational in nature and revolved around National Parks, Presidential homes, historical monuments, and multiple campgrounds as the family tried to visit as many states as possible.

Jimmy was an active volunteer serving as a soccer coach for 10 years. He coached his son's soccer teams through the years (1982-1983 U10 rec Greyhounds, 1983 - 1984 classic Arsenal, 1984 - 1991 premier Phoenix '73 ) where they won four State championships. He served on the board of Directors of the Gwinnett Soccer Association, serving as Chairman when the present fields were dedicated. During the years leading up to the purchase of the land, the garage seemed to always be filled with fund-raising chocolate bars which the entire family was involved in selling. Jimmy also served on the Board of Directors of Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity for 10 years and Pinnacle Credit Union for over 25 years. In retirement, Jimmy volunteered as a tax preparer at the Newnan library for over 20 years. Jimmy was nearly a life-long member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer where he was a devoted member for 75 years, serving as usher for over 50 years.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shera Ann Jones Taylor; daughter, Meredith Leigh Taylor Ivey (Russell) of Huntsville, AL; son, Mark Brandon Taylor (Brianna) of Marietta, GA; three grandchildren, Brandon James Ivey, Christine Leigh Ivey, and Sarah Jane Taylor. He was preceded in death by his parents James Pickens Taylor, Sr. and Margaret Adeline Coyne Taylor and by his brother Charles Frank Taylor.

The family encourages those who were touched by Jimmy's life to join in the celebration of his life at a memorial service to be held at Word of God Lutheran Church, 4486 Hwy. 34 East, Sharpsburg, GA, on February 28, 2026, 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Reception to follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in his memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mckoon.com.

McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580.