James Charles Taylor, age 73, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Clay County Hospital. 

   He was born June 20, 1948, in Parkin, Arkansas, the son of Robert James and Lucy L. (Hale) Taylor.  He was united in marriage to Theresa Cook on May 1, 1999, in Clay City, and together they have shared 22 wedding anniversaries. 

   James enjoyed time spent outdoors, often camping and fishing with family and friends.  He enjoyed talking on his CB Radio and spending time with his best pal, his Pug dog Gizmo who he often referred to as “Gizzy.” 

   He is survived by his wife: Theresa Taylor of Clay City; mother: Lucy Cook of Flora; 4 sons: James Charles Taylor Jr. of Illinois, Gregory (Tina) Taylor of Kentucky, Ronnie Gragert of Illinois, and James Charles Taylor of Illinois; 6 daughters: Lea (Kevin) Tharp of Illinois, Monica Taylor of Kentucky, Joaney (Randy) Deaton of Illinois, Mary (Efrain) Caso of Kentucky, Shelly Brik of Illinois, and Debbie Weaver of Arkansas; a brother: Carl (Diana) Taylor of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren: Samantha Burke, Arriel Layne, Arica Penington, Johnathan Persinger, Schalene Nicholas, Adam Griffith, Mariah Arredondo, Kelsey Cortez, Michael Koch, Ruby Garcia, David Koch, Kelton Young, Richey Owens, Matthew Owens, Gregory Scott Taylor, Robert Taylor, Haylee Gragert, Olen Gragert, Lexi Thoma, Cody Weaver, and Bradley Weaver; 23 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-grand ferrets.

   He was preceded in death by his father: Robert Taylor; a brother: Ronnie Taylor; and a grandson: Timothy J.C. Young.

   A funeral ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville.  Visitation will be 2 p.m. until time of service on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com