James Allan “Jim” Taylor
May 2, 1928 – September 1, 2020
James died peacefully at the Belleville General Hospital on the morning of September 1,
2020 at 92 years of age. Much loved husband and best friend to Mary Marguerite (nee
Robinson), cherished father to Kim (Charles, pre-deceased), Cynthia (Kelly), James Jr.
(Susan), and Timothy (Deirdre). Proud Poppa / Grandpa of ten grandchildren including
Lauren (Chris), Jamie, Taylor, Kelly Breanne (Dan), Brendan, Madison, Kaitlyn,
Jonathan, Daniel and Andrew, and great-grandfather to Harry. He is survived by his
brother Harold.
James A. Taylor was born May 2, 1928 in Timmins, Ontario, the third of five boys to
Winnifred and Alfred Taylor. James attended the University of Toronto, where he
achieved a BA in 1949, and Osgoode Hall Law School where he received his LLB in
1953. He was a former member of the U. of T. boxing and wrestling teams, and an
intercollegiate wrestling champion. He was also a life member of the Scarborough
Underwater Club. On September 20, 1950, James married Mary Marguerite Robinson,
originally from Brampton, whom he met while attending the University of Toronto. They
would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary later this month.
His long association with urban affairs and municipal government began even before he
started law practice. From 1951 to 1957 he was involved with the civil administration for
the Borough of Scarborough – first as an articling law student, then as a legal advisor
and solicitor for the municipality. In 1955 he set up Scarborough’s Legal Department,
and for the next two years was a member of a four-man committee enacting the
municipal council’s decisions into practice. In 1963 he was named a Queen’s Counsel,
and from 1965 to 1967 he was legal council to the Ontario Select Committee on
Conservation Authorities in Ontario. It was this committee that brought him to Prince
Edward County, and shortly thereafter, he bought property at South Bay.
To his broad knowledge of Ontario, James Taylor added a first-hand understanding of
international affairs and administrations beyond North America with extensive travel
throughout the sixties. He saw Central and South America, Western Europe, Russia,
Scandinavia, Japan, the Middle East, Greece and Turkey. His interest in governmental
affairs afforded him a broad background on local government administration, and an
understanding of international affairs.
In 1971 James started up a cattle operation on their family farms in South
Marysburgh Township, Prince Edward County. The farm provided valuable insights and
practical experience when it came to understanding the issues facing an agrarian
community. In the same year, in October of 1971, he was elected as an MPP for the
riding of Prince Edward – Lennox. James A. Taylor served in the Ontario Legislature for
17 years, from 1971 to 1987, and was a cabinet minister in the Progressive
Conservative government of Bill Davis.
During his career at Queen’s Park, his cabinet positions included Minister of Community
and Social Services in 1975, and Minister of Energy in 1977. In 1983, he became the
Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Frank Miller, the Minister of Industry and
Trade. In this role he led trade missions to many countries including South Africa, Saudi
Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, India and Hong Kong. He continued to
serve the constituents of Prince Edward – Lennox until retiring in 1987.
James also served two terms as the first Mayor of the amalgamated Prince Edward
County for a total of six years, from 1998 to 2003. It was a challenging assignment for
the Mayor and council to create one cohesive government from eleven local
municipalities. This was a time when the Ontario government was downloading many
fiscal responsibilities to the municipalities. As Mayor, he served on all standing
committees, was the Director of Quinte Healthcare Corporation, a member of the
Finance Resource Committee, the Police Services Board, and the Eastern Ontario
Smart Growth Panel.
James Taylor was personally committed to public service. His political career spanned
over 30 years with a long list of community involvement. Not only a leader, he was a
dedicated humanitarian and community builder. He was determined to open up the
County to business, economic growth and prosperity, while at the same time expediting
the planning and approval process.
James possessed a love of life and a fearless spirit. His integrity, determination and
sense of humour provided him the foundation for many successes in life, and set an
example for us all to live a caring and compassionate life.
James and Mary resided at Northport in the County for over 45 years. His home was his
sanctuary where loved to maintain his gardens and grounds, and he enjoyed many
books in his favourite chair in his library over the winter months. But above all, he
enjoyed holding court at the dining room table surrounded by all of his children and
grandchildren, telling stories and jokes. His lessons of loyalty, perseverance, patience
and graciousness are deeply rooted values that we as a family hold in high esteem
today. James and Mary moved to their Westwind condo in Picton five years ago, and
recently moved to the Quinte Gardens residence in Belleville.
The family would like to thank all the staff, including the doctors and nurses for the care
and compassion they provided on a daily basis at the Belleville General Hospital. In lieu
of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the PECMH Foundation “Back The Build” or the PECMH Auxilliary.
A public visitation will take place at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church, in Picton,
on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, visitors must schedule a time by calling 613-476-2450 and a mask must be worn. A private funeral will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Whattam Funeral Home, 33 Main St., Picton, ON.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Allan Jim Taylor May 2 1928 September 1 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Picton, Province: Ontario