Dr. James H. Taylor, Jr., of 1405 Wise Street, departed this life on Friday, June 17, 2011 at the Oaks. He was born on August 19, 1921 to the late James H. Taylor, Sr. and Lillie Keene Taylor in Bedford, Virginia. He was the sixth of seven children in which five preceded him in death. Dr. Taylor was educated in the Bedford County Public School System. He also served in the United States Army.

At an early age, James accepted the Lord at Washington Street Baptist Church in Bedford, VA and later joined the Eight Street Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. He served as a deacon and Chairman of the scholarship committee.

He was a significant impact on the educational profession and had a reputation as an innovator/facilitator for educational change. Dr. Taylor's life reflected a record of distinguished and dedicated service and outstanding contribution to the city of Lynchburg.

Dr. Taylor has served as a teacher, principal, supervisor and director; prior to his retirement He was assistant superintendent with the Lynchburg Public School System. He has degrees from Tuskeegee Institute, Columbia University, Duke University and Honorary Doctor of Humanities from James Madison University. He served as a member of the Virginia Elementary Committee of the SACS from 1980-1986. In this capacity he served as chair and consultant to a number of schools throughout the state and supervised all of the SACS evaluations and accreditation activities for the elementary schools of Lynchburg.

In 1990, he was one of eleven recipients of the Distinguished Educational Achievement Award presented at the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' Commission on Elementary Schools in Atlanta, GA. In his years of service to education, Dr. Taylor has also served on numerous civic and professional boards including the Central Virginia Planning commission and the Board of Directors of James Madison University where the building "Taylor Hall" was dedicated in his honor.

Dr. Taylor married the beautiful Melvina Pinn and from this union they were blessed with two children Keith Renard and June Rita.

He is survived by one son, Keith Renard Taylor and one daughter, June Rita Taylor, one sister Violet Hughes of Lynchburg, VA a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Thank you to Dr. Mohammed Ashraf, Dr. Shawn Haynes, Melody Phelps, Charlie Gilmore and the staff at The Oakes. Lastly, a Special Thank you to Tee Barksdale, Amelia Boyd and Nancy Joyner for their relentless support and kindness.

A service of celebration will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 8th Street Baptist Church with Reverend Keith Anderson Eulogist and Reverend Carl B. Hutcherson Officiating.



Entombment will be in the Fort Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 21, 2011from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. Military Honors will be given by Amerian Legion Post 16. A special service will be conducted by the ALPHA Fraterity at 8:15 PM. Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.Com. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service