John Joseph Taylor

Aug. 21, 1942 - April 17, 2012
MISHAWAKA - John Joseph Taylor, 69, passed away Tuesday, April 17, peacefully in his home. John was born on August 21st, 1942, in Mishawaka, to the late Mary Byers-Taylor and John Taylor. He was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley DeWolfe. On June 6, 1964, in Mishawaka, John married Janice Lee Meribela. John is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Janice. Also surviving are his sons, Timothy John (Kara) of LaGrange, KY, Mark Allen (Danielle) of Knoxville, TN, and Kevin Joseph (Sarah) of Syracuse, IN; and his most cherished and loved grandchildren, Jonathan Robert and Hannah Grace of LaGrange, KY, Maclaren Dalley and Macalister Allen of Knoxville, TN, and Titus Joseph, Maxwell Roger and Vivian Lou of Syracuse, IN. He also is survived by his brother, Michael of Elkhart, as well as several nieces and nephews. John was a multi-sport athlete at Mishawaka High School where he earned varsity letters in basketball and baseball. John graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1961. John became the family's first college graduate in 1967 after earning a degree from Bethel College. In 1970 he earned his MA in Education from Indiana University. John then went on to serve the community by teaching in the Mishawaka School system for 35 years. In that time, John influenced and mentored thousands of youths in the classroom and on the athletic field. John coached teams in football, track, baseball, basketball and softball through his long career. He served as the head basketball coach for Mishawaka girls teams and won two regional and many sectional titles. John was instrumental in beginning the Mishawaka High School softball team in the early 80s. John earned Metro Coach of the Year. John finished his career as Head Coach of the women's team at his alma mater Bethel in the early 90s. John loved spending time fishing, boating, and tinkering in the garage or yard. He had a passion for Notre Dame athletics, the Chicago Bears and his Chicago White Sox. John and his wife enjoyed the endless hours spent at their "Lakeside Dream" in Edwardsburg, MI. John was quick to strike up a conversation because he loved people and life. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife and beautiful grandchildren. John will always be remembered as a loving and dedicated husband. John's impact as a father and grandfather cannot be measured, but the impact will be seen by those affected for years to come. Visitation will be on Friday, April 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Memorial & Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.