James Christopher Taylor, Jr.

James Christopher Taylor, Jr., 59 of Gulfport, passed away Wednesday morning at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. He was born August 16, 1960 in Pritchard, AL, one of 11 children to James Christopher, Sr. and Nan Marie (Dodd) Taylor. James grew up in Gulfport where he came to love the outdoors. Among his favorite things to do was going to the river and being in the woods with his friends. James was the type that was always on the move, never staying still long enough for any roots to form. He worked some odd jobs early on, but like his grandfather, enjoyed driving trucks more than anything. He was a people person, the type that never met a stranger and could talk to anyone. As long as he had his coffee in the morning, James was good to go. Later in life, he found that he preferred to be outdoors than anywhere. If he was indoors, James preferred sleeping on the floor to a bed, couch or chair, so he pretty much became a full time camper. He is remembered as a loyal friend that was always there when needed. A loving brother and father, he will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. James was preceded by his parents and one sister, Judith Gray. Left to cherish his memories are: his daughter Jamie (Matthew) Lutrell of Saucier, and son Christopher Woodard of Gulfport; sisters Naomi Trawick, Jeanie Hudson, Anita (Lloyd) Morris and Paula Gray, with brothers Pete Taylor, Dennis Wayne Gray, Todd (Lisa) Taylor and Lucas (Maxine) Tillman. He leaves a legacy of two grandchildren, Sean Taylor and Shyann Lutrell, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral services are set for Friday morning, August 7, 2020 at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by a chapel service at 9:30. Afterward, James will be laid to rest at Finley Cemetery off Hwy. 53. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Taylor family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.