STEELEVILLE – James Arthur "Jay" Taylor, 87, of Steeleville, IL, died at Three Springs Lodge in Chester, IL, on June 10, 2023.

Jay was born on December 21, 1935, at home in Carterville, IL, to Clyde Remmel and Pauline Cagle Taylor. He married Mary Clifton Ware on June 26, 1961, at the North Beach Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, TX. Jay was a proud Navy Veteran who served aboard the USS Frank Knox, in pacific waters from 1954-1958, during the Korean Conflict and in the reserves for four additional years. He reached the rank of Boatswain's Mate.

Upon returning home to Carterville, IL with his bride, he was employed at Olin Mathieson. A manufacturer of small arms and blasting powder explosives that supplied the midwestern coal fields. He started his coal mining career at Forsythe-Carterville Coal Company and worked 37 years at Captain Mine, later known as Arch of IL. Jay's last years of mining were spent as the operator of the 5761 shovel and an oiler on the largest cross pit mining wheel in the world.

Jay was an avid reader. He enjoyed camping and canoeing with his family and friends, but most of all he genuinely enjoyed playing his guitar. His music echoed through our home and will always be in our hearts. Jay loved sharing his love of music with close family and friends and was always a humble soul wanting to strengthen his musical knowledge. His prowess for storytelling will be sorely missed, he could always keep you on the edge of your seat and make you laugh.

Jay is survived by a daughter, Lucile Elaine Eaton (Jeff) of Steeleville, IL; granddaughter, Alyssa Anne Stolze (Alan) and a great-grandson Adler James Stolze, all of Victorville, CA; twin brother Charles Ray Taylor of Arcanum, OH; three nieces: Susan Newnum of Pine Bluff, AR, Christine Robinson of Arcanum, OH, and Leslie Pruitt of Heber Springs, AR; sister-in-law, Marsha Elaine Brock (Paul) of DuQuoin, IL, nieces: Sara Smith (Clinton), Weston & Ellie, and Stacey Brock; nephews: David Brock (Arial), Kane and Nash, all of DuQuoin, IL; brother-in-law, Terry Frank Ware (Sherry) of Iola, TX, niece, Kathryn Ann Ware, and son, Aidyn of Colorado, uncle, Freddie Ray Strickland of Ellisville, MS, and his dachshund buddy, Starboard.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. His soul is at rest in Jesus Christ.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Steeleville Baptist Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Tim McIntyre officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Friends may call from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Memorials may be given to the Steeleville Baptist Church Building Fund, Bald Knob Cross of Peace Fund or the Union Cemetery Fund, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL, 62288.