James L. Taylor, Jr., 79, of 144 Palmetto Drive, Niles, died at 3:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles of natural causes.

He was born Dec. 25, 1930 in Gays Mills, Wis. He retired from Conrail in 1992.

James instructed basketball at St. Mary’s School in Niles for many years. He enjoyed playing golf and cribbage as well as carpentry.

He married Carolyn S. (Wilson) Taylor on April 25, 1953 in Dowagiac.

James is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sons, James L. Taylor III of Berthoud, Colo. and Christopher A. Taylor of Niles; brothers, Jon Taylor of Eugene, Ore. and Paul Taylor of Niles; sisters, Jane Guentert of Eugene, Ore. and Jennifer Taylor of Grand Rapids, Mich.; grandchildren, Mellissa Taylor, Allison Taylor and Courtney Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretto Taylor.

A memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles with Father Jon Taylor officiating.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Niles at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Remodeling Fund in Niles.