James Phil Taylor

Mr. James Phil Taylor, son of the late Willie Taylor and Lucy Williams Taylor, was born on May 13, 1935 in Louisburg, NC.  He departed his life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 in Durham, NC. 

James attended school in Franklin County, NC. Then furthering his education at Durham Business College. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1958. During this time, he continued his education at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

James began his career at General Telephone Company, currently known as Verizon. During his tenure he continued his education in telecommunications.  His passion for the field made this his pride and joy.  After more than twenty plus years of service working alongside with many friends and colleagues he retired.  His personality was one of a kind allowing him to have made life long lasting friendships, several whom have passed away but forever in our hearts.  Once retired, James went back to work with North Carolina State University within their department of Public Transportation and then officially retiring after many years of service.

As a devoted man of God, James served as a faithful church Trustee for Cameron Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Durham NC for many years. He continued his fellowship and worship at Union Baptist Church, and Peace Missionary Baptist Church, Durham, NC until his health started to decline.

James was loved by many and known for his contagious smile, jokes, nicknames, and humorous stories. Some of his hobbies included bowling, yardwork, light construction projects, automobile maintenance and just being a “Jack of All Trades” at helping others.

He married Annie Justice Taylor on September 14, 1957. To this union they were blessed with a daughter, Jerre Taylor Graham. They celebrated over 62 years of marriage resulting in more than six decades of wonderful memories.

In addition to his parents James was preceded in death by four sisters along with brother-in-laws, Lucille Covington (Charles) of Springfield, MA; Sallie Davis, (Forrest) of Durham, NC ;  Lillian Brodie (Wilbert) of Louisburg, NC;   Ernestine Richardson and one sister-in-law, Rachel Taylor of New Haven, CT.  Two brothers, Willie Thomas Taylor Jr. of Durham, NC. and William L. Taylor, of Springfield, MA.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Annie Taylor of the home,  daughter Jerre T Graham (Victor), of Durham, NC, a grandson Victor James Graham (fiancé Tianna Harmon) of Herndon, VA, Godchild, Kendra Evans Ellis (Ken) of Durham, NC, one brother, John Taylor of Middleboro, MA and two sister-in-laws, Sally Taylor of Durham, NC and Catherine Taylor of Springfield, MA, special friends Wayne Townsend, Mike Beasley, dedicated caregivers Alichia Jones and Gerald Ennis whom have been very supportive over the years along with a host of nephews, nieces, and other loving relatives, friends and neighbors.

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