Jim Taylor, 52, owner of Jet Lites died in a skiing accident on the slopes of Squaw Valley February 25, 2008 while trying to avoid a snowboarder on a popular run. He received massive internal injuries after hitting a tree, despite wearing a helmet and being an expert skier.
Jim, the beloved son of Lois Anne and Harold Raymond Taylor, was born November 25, 1955 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was raised in Santa Cruz, CA and lived most of his adult life in Santa Cruz and Truckee.
He met Joyce Ann Taylor on Valentine’s Day, 1986 and it was love at first sight. They married a year later on May 30, 1987. Their collaborative and caring relationship was based on mutual support and a deep love for each other. His big heart extended to his close-knit family that shared many memorable times. He was an awesome son, husband, brother, and uncle.
Jim was a self taught electrical and mechanical engineer who patented several products based on light technology and design that are used in cycling, adventure racing, and the military and other industries. This led to the founding of his company Jet Lites that received numerous awards for its innovations.
He excelled at virtually everything he attempted and did so in a humble manner. He lived in the moment and did everything with passion, focus and drive. Jim was blessed with numerous friends and relatives. They enjoyed his company doing many athletic endeavors that he ardently pursued which included skiing, golf, cycling, sailing and surfing. How fitting that his last day was an epic ski day and he died enjoying what he loved best.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; parents, Harold and Lois; his sister and brother in-law, Susan Calderon (Filemon), his brother Gregory; his nephews and niece, Justin and Aaron Taylor, Taylor and Zachary Calderon, Shane and Avery Elder; mother and father- in-laws Margaret and Jim Elder; sister-in-law Carolyn Elder; brother-in-law Jim Elder (Erin), and his beloved Truckee- Tahoe Humane Society Border Collies Mickey and Minnie.
A memorial and celebration of his life was held May 24 at The Lodge, 12850 Northwoods Blvd. in Truckee. Donations in memory of Jim Taylor can be sent to the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe by mail to P.O. Box 9041, Truckee, CA 96162 or on their website at hstt.org.
