James Norton Taylor was born in Benton, Louisiana on June 26, 1945, the son of Reverend Willie and Nellie Mae Taylor. He graduated from C. H. Irion High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. He was also named "Best Dressed". After graduation, he relocated to Lansing, Michigan and was soon hired at the General Motors, Fisher Body plant. He worked at G. M. for 37 years until he retired in 2002. James was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and enjoyed doing things to make his family happy. He was a strong, proud man with a good heart. James was also a highly respected role model and mentor to many young men in the Lansing community. James really loved all sports. He organized and sponsored the well-known Taylor's MVPs basketball team. He and the players had a lot of good times, whether they won or lost. An additional bonus was that he was able to coach his son, Marcus. In earlier years, James helped his brother, Tom, coach the Taylor Steelers football team. He really enjoyed watching the players mature and develop into wonderful young men. James was an exceptional pool player and a great storyteller. He especially loved to tell stories about his childhood in Benton. He also enjoyed listening to the blues. James was preceded in death by: his parents; sisters, Merlene Brooks and Betty Jo Perkins; and brothers, Willie Taylor, Jr. and Thomas Taylor. James passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2014, at the age of 69, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by: his devoted wife of 33 years, Kay; son, Marcus; step-children, Maurice Brandon and Darla Brandon-Roland (Mitchell); granddaughters, Zoe Taylor, Nadia Baker, Destiny Brandon, Kayla Haynes, and Stasha and Malani Brandon; loving sister, Mary Goines; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. We were so blessed and grateful that James was in our lives. He will truly be missed by all who loved him. Mr. James N. Taylor will lie in repose Friday December 26, 11-3pm at Riley Funeral Home Funeral, 426 W. St. Joseph St. Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral services will be Saturday December 27, 11 AM at Solid Rock Baptist Church, 2410 South Pennsylvania Avenue Lansing, MI 48910. The family will receive visitors one hour before services. Memories and condolences can be shared at rileyfuneralhome.com.