C. James "Jim" Taylor

Jim Taylor’s life journey reached the end of the line on April 12, 2026, in Gunnison, Colorado, surrounded by family. And what an amazing journey it was.  

 

He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on August 23, 1931, to Marjorie and Clark Taylor. As a toddler, he developed a fascination with trains that would shape his life. Anything that ran on tracks, he wanted to ride. By the age of 10, he was riding local trolleys, paying the fare with money earned from his paper route. Longer trips with family were eagerly anticipated and carefully logged in his journal. In fact, Jim documented every train trip he ever took until his passing.  

 

During his high school years at DeVillbiss, he also developed a passion for photography and music. Working at a local photo store, he learned to develop photographs and continued the hobby well into his 40s. Since both of his parents played instruments and sang, he was exposed early to symphony and opera, which became one of his lifelong happy places.  

 

After graduating from high school in 1949, Jim attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, earning a business degree, and later attended Yale University, where he earned a Certificate/Master’s degree in transportation. Following graduation, a two-year stint in the Army Transportation Corps led to a long and successful railroad career. From the Pennsylvania Steel Lines to management and executive positions with Rock Island, Amtrak, and Trailer Train in Chicago, railroading remained both his profession and his passion. Jim & Tilda retired to Gold Canyon, Arizona in 1991.  

 

While trains, photography, and music may have been his passions, Jim was blessed with two women whom he loved deeply and devoted himself to until their passing. The first was Tilda Taft. They met and married in Toledo in 1955, and over the next six years welcomed three sons: Tom (Diane), Dave (Susie), and Bill (Cara). After moving to Naperville in 1965, Tilda introduced the family to horses, a hobby that remained a cherished part of their lives well into retirement. Raising three active sons was a wild ride, but Jim and Tilda prevailed. All three sons went on to college, successful careers, and families of their own, ultimately blessing them with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  

 

Retirement didn’t slow them down. They made lifelong friends in Gold Canyon, rode horses through the desert, spent summers as work campers at the Gunnison KOA, and traveled extensively. Switzerland became their favorite destination.   

 

Sadly, after nearly 50 years together, Tilda passed away in 2004. Jim lovingly cared for her throughout her battle with cancer, honoring his vow until death did they part.  

 

It has been said that when one door closes, another opens. Shortly after Tilda’s passing, Jim reconnected with a woman from Toledo whom he had dated after high school, Joan A. Gentile. Joan, a widow living in New Jersey, had raised two children, David and Caroline. She was a gifted singer who shared Jim’s love of opera, symphony, and the Philadelphia Phillies. After a brief courtship, they married in 2005.  

 

Jim and Joan made their home in northern New Jersey, where they could be close to Joan’s family and enjoy the world-class opera and symphony performances of New York City. Winters were often spent at Jim’s home in Gold Canyon, and together they continued traveling abroad. When Joan developed dementia, Jim once again became a devoted caregiver, honoring his vows until her passing in 2023.  

 

Jim spent his final three years living with his son, KOA Dave, in Gunnison, Colorado. Jim loved all animals. His beloved “Kitty Girl” was his constant companion along with two other cats and Gary the Dog. Jim’s house rule was that no animal would be removed from his Lazy Boy chair as he would prefer to sit on the couch rather than make them move. He also enjoyed the campground’s menagerie of other animals, played Liars Poker with the local boys, rode the rails on his computer, listened to his favorite operas and symphonies and watched every Philles game.  

 

Jim had his own set of rules. Punctuality was a religion. Make lists and document everything. Save everything. Stay in touch with family and friends. Two well-made Manhattans at 5:00 p.m. were the perfect end to the day. Steaks should be on the rarer side but not blue. He was frugal with himself but generous with family, friends, and the causes he supported. He rarely said the word “love,” but those who knew him never doubted it.  

 

Mentally sharp to the very end, Jim was told that his organs were shutting down and that he would need to be flown to Denver for life-prolonging treatment. His response was simple  “No thanks, I’m good right here.”  

 

Five days later, he departed as he had lived—on his own terms. Quite simply, Jim Taylor was a good man. Passionately devoted to his wives. A terrific role model for his sons and a man of incredible recall of his 94 years on this planet.  

 

No formal celebration of life is planned. Instead, in 2027, the family will travel to Switzerland to honor Jim’s wish that his and Tilda’s ashes be scattered at a place that held special meaning for them.   The family is deeply grateful for the many calls, emails, cards, and expressions of sympathy they have received.  

 

The next time you hear a train whistle in the distance or see a train rolling down the tracks, think of Jim.   May he rest in peace.