James Warren Taylor

James “Jimmy” Taylor, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life filled with kindness, laughter, unwavering generosity, and the simple joys that made Jimmy who he was.

Born and raised in Fayetteville, Jimmy graduated from South View High School in 1983, where he proudly played both the tuba and trumpet in the school band. 

He later attended Fayetteville Technical Community College before beginning a career defined by hard work, dedication, and integrity. Throughout the years, he worked for Hurst Annaho Supply, John Deere, Penske Truck Rental, and eventually became the owner of Charger Water Conditioner—a role he took great pride in. 

Jimmy will be remembered most not for the jobs he held, but for the person he was. Humble, soft-spoken, funny, and incredibly hardworking, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, Jimmy never hesitated to put others before himself. His quiet strength, gentle nature, and genuine heart left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Jimmy never sought the spotlight—he simply made the lives of those around him brighter through his kindness, quiet strength, and willingness to always help others. 

Living just across the street from his mother, Betty, he also became her watchful eye. In one of their final conversations, Betty lovingly joked, “Who’s going to tell me I left the garage door open?!” It was a simple moment that perfectly captured Jimmy’s caring nature and the special bond they shared—a memory that will forever bring smiles through the tears. 

One of Jimmy’s greatest joys—and without question his proudest accomplishment—was being Ryan’s dad. He loved his son unconditionally and found immense pride in the man Ryan became. Every milestone Ryan reached became a source of pride for Jimmy, and nothing brought him greater happiness than watching his son grow into the person he was. More than any title he ever held, being Ryan’s father was the one he cherished most. 

One of Jimmy’s greatest blessings was finding love with his fiancée, Sandra Selover. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventures, and cherished friendships. Among those friendships were two other couples who affectionately referred to themselves as the “6 Pack.” Whether they were traveling, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those memories became some of Jimmy’s most treasured. 

Jimmy had a lifelong love for the Carolina Hurricanes and was grateful to witness their Stanley Cup victory before his passing. He also had a passion for playing pool that began in high school and continued throughout his life. 

Alongside Sandra, he enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas in 2019 to compete with their team, Chalk and Ale. He later played Monday evenings with the Liquid Hustlers and Wednesdays with Brews & Cues, where he formed countless friendships over the years. 

When he wasn’t at the pool hall, Jimmy enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his dear friend Jon Knight and several other buddies, where the laughs were often more important than the score. More than anything, Jimmy cherished time spent with the people he loved. Whether gathering with family, catching up with friends, sharing stories, or offering a helping hand, he found joy in life’s simple moments. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, and his easygoing nature made it effortless to enjoy being around him. 

Jimmy is survived by his beloved son, Ryan Taylor; his devoted fiancée, Sandra Selover; his mother, Betty Denton Taylor; his brother, Glenn Taylor (Kay); his sisters, Cissy McPhail and Deborah Guilfoyle (Mike); his nieces, Kristi Hammond (Ronald) and Leslie Schwartz (Scott); his nephews, Christopher Ellis (Patty) and Matthew Taylor (Rebecca); along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cherished friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, James “Buddy” Taylor. Jimmy’s love extended far beyond his own family. He cherished the family he gained through Sandra and was grateful for the love they shared. He is also survived by Sandra’s parents, Earl and Glenda Selover; her sister, Wanda Carawan; her children and their families—Trey, Hannah and Jaylin, Shanna, Daniel and Mason, Geran, and Ella; Sandra’s aunt, Donna Kaye; and Sophia, affectionately known as “Boo Boo,” the family’s beloved dog, who brought Jimmy endless joy. Jimmy’s legacy is not measured by accomplishments or possessions, but by the countless lives he touched through his compassion, humility, and generosity. He taught those around him that kindness costs nothing, hard work matters, and laughter is best shared with the people you love. While he will be deeply missed every day, those who knew Jimmy will carry his memory forward in every act of kindness, every story shared, every game of pool, every Hurricanes game, every round of golf, and every moment spent with family and friends. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Though Jimmy may be gone from our sight, the kindness he shared, the laughter he brought, and the love he gave will remain in our hearts forever.