James Brent "Jim" Taylor, Jr. (58) of Oblong

James Brent "Jim" Taylor, Jr., 58, of Oblong died Sunday, March 6, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am Friday, March 11 at Crain Funeral Home in Newton. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Thursday. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, rural Jasper County. Memorials to the Jasper County Cancer Fund.

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Jim was born June 14, 1957 in Olney, Illinois the son of James Brent Taylor, Sr. and Ann Weber Taylor. On July 2, 1984, Jim married Karen Buckner; she survives. Jim worked at the Newton Power Plant for over thirty-five years and was a member of the I.B.E.W. #702. His other memberships included the First Presbyterian Church and the Illinois State Archaeological Society. Jim became a self-taught expert in all of his endeavors and enthusiastically shared his knowledge in a way that sparked an interest in those around him. He was a master in the art of photography and especially enjoyed macro-photography. Jim was also incredibly knowledgeable in astronomy and archaeology and spent much of his free time examining the stars through his telescope and searching for and studying Indian artifacts. His other hobbies included mushroom hunting, fishing and spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Jim will be loved and remembered by his wife Karen Taylor of Oblong; mother Ann Taylor of Colchester, Illinois; sons Jeremy B. Taylor, wife Jennifer of Mattoon, Allen P. Taylor of Oblong; daughter Elizabeth A. Will, husband Ryan of Yale; three grandchildren Hazel Taylor, Emily and Lyle Will; brothers Richard Taylor of Newton, Phillip Taylor, wife Mindy of Newton, and Dan Taylor, partner Tony Archer of Tallahassee, Florida; sister Joanie Herbert, husband Frank of Macomb, Illinois; eight nephews; one niece; and two great nephews.

His father James Brent Taylor, Sr. preceded him in death.