James Arnold Taylor

James Arnold "Shakey" Taylor, Jr., 70, of Owensboro passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the Heartford House after a long battle with kidney failure and lung cancer. He was born in Daviess County to the late James A. Taylor, Sr. and Lola Louise Taylor.

Jim was a graduate of Owensboro High and attended the University of Kentucky. He played football at both schools. He also attended Castle Heights Military Academy and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brescia University.

For many years Jim managed the family tavern, B & B Tavern. He became a friend to many, including friendships with many nationally known musicians. Jim was instrumental in promoting and sharing their talent in the Owensboro area. Due to a back injury in the late 1980's he began substitute teaching in the Owensboro City School System. It was here that Jim became the aid to Joseph Dominy. Jim taught Joseph about a life he would never know and Joseph taught Jim about true faith in God. Jim was of the Baptist faith.

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing and crossword puzzles. Jim also loved his pets, especially his cats, Skinny and Olivia. He was a wonderful companion, father and grandfather and enjoyed every minute he spent with his grandsons. Jim will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Ben Coakley Taylor.

Jim is survived by a companion of 30 years, Mary A. Green, a daughter, Heather Lee (fianc, David Riney) of Owensboro; grandchildren, Hunter and Harrison Lee; a sister, Tonya Schaik (Tom) of Indianapolis, IN; step-daughter, Linda Green Ogle of Owensboro; step-grandsons, Parker Kelly and Garrett Ogle of Owensboro; a niece, Emily Kelly (Patrick); a nephew, Matthew Schaik (Rafaela); an aunt, Mayme (Freels) Weikel of Owensboro; and a former son-in-law, Jamie Lee of Owensboro.

A gathering of celebration will be held from 2 - 7 PM on Monday, February 10 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

The family wishes to offer a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staffs at the Heartford House and Davita Dialysis Center.

A tribute by Charles Curtis Post:

I don't know why I didn't call him "Shakey" much. Maybe because that was part of a rich history before I knew him. Maybe because he so formally addressed me as "Charles Curtis Post" whenever we got together after even a short break.

Jim was bigger than life to me when I was first footloose on my own, and able to drink legally and come down to the old B&B after finishing stories for the M&I. He seemed the leader of a pack of sharp-tongued, funny, kind, and deep-thinking storytellers. He was a big guru in a group of gurus. He made me feel at home my first time living away from the big city, taking loops in his truck out in the country, sitting in his den enjoying great bluegrass - and music, too. And for music, the new B&B opened new worlds, seeing stars up close. 1974 through 77 was a magical time unlike anything else for me, thanks especially to Jim, and of course lots of others in the pack. (If you read or hear this, you all know who you are.)

After leaving town, I had the good fortune to return regularly. Jim had introduced me to my wife at the B&B. Visiting the in-laws in Owensboro every Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas for over 20 years wasn't so bad. After fulfilling family obligations I'd go over to visit the outlaws. At Jim and Mary's (she was his "savior" he said recently) there'd be the warmest times imaginable, discussing the universe and telling stories. I was in awe of Jim's memory for details. More so considering how my habits blurred mine.

I do recall closing times at the old B&B. On occasion we'd boldly plan a Blue River canoe trip for just a few hours later. I see him now on a warm, sunny Spring Sunday, leaning back relaxed in the boat floating downstream past those sinners taken to the river to be Baptized, following the great blue heron who's always ahead but waits for you around the bend.

We loved each other.