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In Memory of James H. “Jim” Taylor

Mar 2013

The Florida First Capital family is sad to report that James H. “Jim” Taylor died on Feb. 23, 2013. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and close friends.

Jim had retired twice before he joined Florida First Capital in 2004 as a Senior Vice President. He worked primarily on special projects for the company out of its Jacksonville office.

Prior to joining Florida First Capital, Jim was a former President and CEO of the Jacksonville Economic Development Company (JEDCO) and had more than 40 years of experience in management, lending and loan workouts, finance, administration, marketing, sales and public relations.

We at Florida First Capital had the honor of working with Jim until his third and final retirement in 2009. We benefitted greatly from his vast commercial lending experience and his sage wisdom. He will be truly missed.

Jim's memorial service was held in Jacksonville on Feb. 28, 2013. Following is Jim's obituary as published in the Florida Times-Union on Feb. 27:

Born in Middletown, NY, in 1935, he grew up in East Orange, NJ, graduating from C.J. Scott High as class salutatorian and winning the Bamberger Medal for top scholar-athlete in the city. He earned his B.A. from DePauw University where he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. After seven years in the Navy as one of the Nation's first Aerial Navigator and Tactical Coordinators in antisubmarine warfare, he was honorably discharged as a full Lieutenant.

He began his banking career with Barnett Banks and was president of several of their banks. He transferred his commercial banking skills into economic development and small business financing, first with the city (of Jacksonville), and ending his career as Senior Vice President of Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.

Jim was an active member of his church and many community organizations including serving as chair of Easter Seals drive, Big Brothers, Jacksonville Zoological Society, Jacksonville Urban League, WJCT Advisory board, and Ye Mystic Revellers. His avocation was singing; he had a God-given baritone voice which he used in the Good Shepherd choir and Jacksonville Symphony Chorus.

He is survived by his wife, Dale Orr Taylor; son Jerome Thompson Taylor (Kendall); daughters Susan T. Watson and Glenn T. Stanley (Craig); grandchildren Taylor and Katherine Watson and Griffin and Hunter Stanley; brothers Edwin Ted Taylor (Louise) and Thomas Taylor (Karon) and brother-in-law Jerome Jerry Orr.

Donations may be made to the Music Fund at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1100 Stockton St, Jacksonville, FL 32204.