Jimmie Kent Taylor, 87, of Bear Lake and Nokomis, Fla., died on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at Tidewell Hospice Home in Venice, Fla. He had been ill for 7 weeks. Born in Dunkirk, on Sept. 27, 1928, the son of Ralph and Geraldine Taylor. On Dec. 5, 1953, he was married to Doris E. Egolf, who preceded him in death on March 14, 2008.
Prior to retirement, they spent most of their married life at their Bear Lake home. After retirement they wintered in Nokomis, and spent the summers in Indiana. Jimmie graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1948. A Superintendent for Hagerman Construction Company for 40 years, he retired in 1989.
His passion was racing Mini Sprint race cars (Modified Midgets). He built and raced many cars though the years and involved the whole family in his hobby. He raced until the age of 77. He was inducted into the National Mini Sprint Hall of Fame. After his retirement he enjoyed deep sea fishing in Florida and pan fishing in Indiana.
Survivors include daughters: Jamie (Brian) Knox-Hull, Syracuse; Susan Ladig, Bear Lake; son: Mike Taylor, Cromwell; grandchildren: Kris and Daphne Knox; Amy and Kenny Smith; Amanda Ladig; Zane and Ashley Ladig; Brittney and Nick Prentice; Andrew Taylor; and Samantha Taylor; great-grandchildren: Kirstin and Kolby Knox; Wesley; Chloe; and Taylor Prentice; and a brother: Philip (Betty) Taylor; sister-in-law: Nancy (Norm) Hartman; stepsister: Judy (Tim) Coffman; and son-in-law: Jeff Ladig. In addition to his parents and wife; a brother: William Taylor; preceded him in death.
Family and friends will be received from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday.
In Lieu of flowers a memorial contribution in Jimmie’s name can be sent to the Wolf Lake VFW Post 4717: Wolf Lake.