JAMES ROBERT TAYLOR

PLYMOUTH – James Robert Taylor, 78, of Plymouth, died Aug. 24, 2004. He was born May 7, 1926, Bangor. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1944, where he served as his class vice president and played varsity football and basketball. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years as a signalman, and later attended the University of Maine, where he majored in English and history and played varsity basketball. His executor is in the process of establishing a high school scholarship fund at Bangor High School to enable hardworking, financially disadvantaged students to attend the University of Maine. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Mr. Taylor moved to Boston to work with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. as a claims adjuster – a job that led him to the Detroit area, where he would reside for the next 50 years. In 1960, he completed his master’s degree in political science at the University of Michigan, and five years later left his job at Liberty Mutual to become vice president of Sales at the Detroit-based U.S. Truck Co. This would be the beginning of his significant influence on the Michigan trucking and transportation industry over the next 30 years. He became president of U.S. Pool Car, a subsidiary of U.S. Truck, and later president of U.S. Truck. He eventually co-founded Artisan Associates, Inc., a specialized transportation management company. Mr. Taylor was also active in many transportation related clubs and associations throughout his career in the industry. While he was passionate about his work, Mr. Taylor’s primary focus was on the people he loved – his friends, family, and co-workers, which was evident in his willingness to help others without desiring recognition. He was also active in his community, having served a term as president of the Plymouth Kiwanis Club and being a lifelong member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Plymouth. He enjoyed golf, vacationing in Florida, and spending time working in his yard, in addition to his passion for all things related to the University of Michigan, where he was a lifelong football and basketball season ticket holder. Mr. Taylor is survived by his wife, Ann Taylor of Plymouth; his son, Scott (Darlene) Taylor of Northville; his grandchildren, Meredith and Matthew Werner, and Heide and Holly Taylor. He was predeceased in death by his daughter, Christine Gieckel.