James was born 22 April 1911 in Colton ID, the son of James R. and Mamie Perkins Taylor.

James was a miller and worked for General Mills. He was a member of the LDS Church.

James died 21 Mar 2000 at Washington Terrace (UT) Nursing Home. He was survived by one son and one daughter, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchilren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Burial was 23 Mar 2000 in Leavett's Aultorest Memorial Park.

James was a grandson of James Henry Taylor & Martha Amelia Rawson. James Henry Taylor was a son of Joseph Taylor & Hannah Mariah Harris.