Senior Chief James Alfred “Jim” Taylor, 85, passed away peacefully at home May 29, 2016, after a brave battle with cancer. His beloved wife of 68 years, Dee Taylor, was by his side.

Jim was born the youngest of five children on Oct. 6, 1930, in Everett, to James and Nellie (Deffries) Taylor.

Jim and Dee were married on Jan. 1, 1948, and had four children: Michael, James, Janice and Gary.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy as a flight engineer on the C-121 Super Constellation (“Connie”) aircraft, and later taught as a flight engineer instructor at the AEW ground school.

His Naval career took him around the world and he was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Later in his career, Jim settled on Whidbey Island where he served as an air crewman on SAR helicopters at NAS Whidbey until his retirement.

During his 31 years of service, Jim earned many medals and accolades, including multiple bronze stars and air medals. He retired as a senior chief petty officer in 1977.

Jim began his second career at Hawley’s Automotive in Oak Harbor, where worked until retiring in 1994.

His third “career” consisted of delivering coffee and breakfast in bed daily to his wife Dee, as well as attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s birthday parties, sporting events and school activities.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed camping and fishing, traveling around the U.S. in his motorhome, working on cars, watching the Seahawks and working on his farm.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Dee; children, Mike (Debbie) Taylor, Jim (Mimi) Taylor, Janice Johnson and Gary Taylor; grandchildren, Peggy (Joe) Lupo, Angie (Al) Johnson-Nall, Susie (Raul) Johnson-Delgado, Jennifer (Mike) Whitney, Jaime (Yoneo) Fujikawa, Jason (Melissa) Taylor and Tanya (Heather) Taylor; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Nellie Taylor; siblings, Marie, Nellie, Gladys and Ted; and son-in-law Joe Johnson.