James W. “Jim” Taylor, 100, of La Crosse, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026.

On December 09, 1925, James W. “Jim” Taylor, was the fifth and last child born to Ralph F. and Lillian W. Taylor. Jim was educated in the Bellwood Public Schools completing high school in the newly formed Bellwood-Antis School District. After finishing his junior year, he attended summer school in Tyrone, Pennsylvania to obtain sufficient credits for graduation in the Bellwood-Antis High School Class of 1944. Jim enlisted In the United States Navy in September 1943 and served for 32 months during World War II. He was Honorably Discharged in May 1946, with the rank of Aviation Technician’s Mate, First Class. His final 11 months of service were with Fleet Air Wing 2 based out of Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station on Oahu, TH. He returned home in late May 1946 and thereupon achieved a Private Pilot’s Certification.

After finishing his Navy service, Jim attended Pennsylvania State College (later Pennsylvania State University) graduating in 1950 with a B.S. degree in Fuel Science. His career path led him through employment in the fuels industry, automation and controls industry, and power-plant design, operations and management. His final assignment was at Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse finishing his career as General Manager of DPC.

While a sophomore at Penn State, Jim met the love of his life, Marjorie Louise Mead. Within a year they were engaged and a year after that, in November 1949 they were married in the First Presbyterian Church of State College, PA. They were blessed with three healthy children, Judith Louise (Larry Carpenter), Phillip Mead (Jean) and Peter James (Mary). Jim and Marjie were grandparents to two girls, Jessica Ann Dercks and Amanda Mead Taylor. Marjie passed from this earth in March of 2009, at the age of 80 years in their 60^th year of marriage.

Jim served on many boards and committees during his professional life. He was a Registered Professional Engineer. Locally, Jim served on boards of Northwest Bank, La Crosse Chamber of Commerce, Bethany-Lutheran Homes, La Crosse Lutheran Hospital and La Crosse Lutheran Health Systems. In his professional life, he served on the Boards of Directors of American Public Power Association, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (President and Man of the Year – 1974) to name a few.

Jim will be remembered for his after-work activities, photography and building and flying radio-controlled, scale model aircraft. He was a perfectionist in each hobby.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 09, 2026, with visitation one hour prior at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 N Salem Road, La Crosse, with the Reverend Scott Skogen officiating.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.