James R. Taylor

James R. Taylor, age 78, of Trinity FL, formerly of Shippensburg, PA, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home in Florida, with his loving family by his side. He was born Thursday, April 10, 1947, in Gettysburg, PA, the son of the late Carl O. and Zelma E. (Kline) Taylor and grew up in the small town of Bendersville, PA where he spent summers working in the fruit industry.

James graduated from Biglerville High School in 1965 where he was active in basketball and band. He earned his Bachelors degree from Shippensburg State Teachers College, which is now Shippensburg University. He earned his Masters in Education also from Shippensburg and continued with post Masters education to earn a Superintendents Letter of Eligibility. Jim spent his entire 36-year professional career in the Chambersburg School District, with time spent as a Teacher, Principal, Regional Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Services. Outside of his professional career, he was active in the community as a member of Shippensburg Presbyterian Church and Middle Spring Presbyterian Church volunteering time as a Sunday School Teacher, leader of the Youth Fellowship Group and Elder, the Cumberland Valley Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge #315 and Chambersburg Noontime Lions Club. He also served as President of the Shippensburg College Club.

Jim’s love of sports was exemplified by time spent as a coach of both his daughter’s and son’s Little League softball and baseball teams. He coached All-Star softball teams to appearances in the Little League World Series and served as Vice President of the Shippensburg Area Little League. He was an avid Penn State fan, the love of which was passed on to his kids who both attended Penn State University leading to many tailgates and time spent cheering on the Nittany Lions with family and friends. Following their retirement, Jim and Kay moved to Trinity, FL in 2015 where he enjoyed playing golf, traveling, and continuing to have great meals with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Kay Taylor, who resides in Trinity, FL. He is also survived by his daughter, Debra and husband Richard Golden of Odessa, FL, son, Jeffrey Taylor of Denver, CO and six grandchildren, Charley Golden age 23, Riley Golden, age 21, Benjamin Taylor, age 20, Nathan Taylor, age 19, Anna Taylor, age 17 and Lauren Taylor, age 14. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Taylor.

Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Shippensburg. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 1PM at Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, 135 Middle Spring Road, Shippensburg, PA with Pastor Bruce Levy officiating. The family will also receive friends beginning at 12:15PM on Saturday at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in private at Middle Spring Church Cemetery, Shippensburg.

In addition to the funeral service in Pennsylvania, there will also be a Celebration of Life service in Florida on Saturday, May 17th at 10AM at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, 4651 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34655.

In honor of Jim’s longstanding dedication to K–12 education, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be directed to the Chambersburg Area Education Foundation in support of the James R. Taylor Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will benefit students attending Shippensburg University that are pursuing a career in teaching. Donations may be made payable to CAEF and mailed to PO Box 44, Scotland, PA 17254. Online donations can be made at: https://bit.ly/JRTaylor   Friends may express condolences at www.DuganFH.com