DATE: Thursday, June 12, 1997               TAG: 9706120408

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   34 lines

JAMES R. TAYLOR JR.

James Robert Taylor Jr., 76, died June 10, 1997, in his residence.

Born in Norfolk, he was a veteran firefighter of 29 years with the Norfolk Fire Department. In 1972, he was honored as Firefighter of the Year following his heroic rescue of a child from a burning house. He also received a certificate of commendation that year from the American Legion for ``dedication and professionalism beyond the call of duty.''

During World War II, he served with the 84th Signal Company and participated in the landing at Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. After retiring as a fireman in 1979, he managed Doug's Hot Dogs in Ocean View. The restaurant will be closed today in remembrance of Mr. Taylor.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Opal Taylor; two daughters, Opal Reynolds Martin of Fallbrook, Calif., and Brenda Johnson of Columbia, S.C.; son, James Robert III of Virginia Beach; brother, Boyd Taylor of Bloomington, Minn.; sister, Nellie Latham of Roanoke; seven grandchildren, John, Lee, Grant and Mark Reynolds, Daniel and Evelyn Johnson, Yetta Elam; and a great-granddaughter, Breyetta Elam.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He left us with wonderful memories to treasure.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family will be at the home at 420 Baldwin St. following the service and friends are welcome. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and the Virginia Beach General Hospital Hospice. Kellum Funeral Home, Rosewood Chapel, is in charge. ILLUSTRATION: Photo KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY

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