In Memorium: Jim M. Taylor

Jim M. Taylor

1950-2009

With regrets, we are sad to announce the passing of a Mid-City legend, Jim M. Taylor (1950-2009). The 2009 Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival is dedicated to the memory of Taylor and the contributions he made to the community. He will share this honor with Fird "Snooks" Eaglin.

In October 2005, Jim was the President of the Mid-City Neighborhood and member of the Mid-City Art Market, leading his neighborhood in recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. During his tenure, his support and enthusiasm was instrumental in the inaugural Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival. His overwhelming support inspired others..

Jim graduated from LSUNO in 1973, and taught filmmaking and English in the Jefferson Parish Public Schools for eleven years. He was a member in the early days of the CAC Film and Video Society and worked on several independent films, industrial videos and slide shows. He co-authored and self published a guidebook titled NEW ORLEANS ON THE HALF SHELL: A NATIVE'S GUIDE TO THE CRESCENT CITY, with the later editions published by Pelican Publishing Company. He then decided to pursue a career in law, and attended Loyola Law School. He received his juris doctor degree in 1988 as a member of the Law Review. Jim was employed as a worker's compensation defense attorney and partner at Hoffman, Sutterfield, et. al. In 1996, he cofounded the firm of Taylor, Wellons and Politz. Music was one of Jim's passions, and although he was not a musician, he found a way to pursue that passion with his friend Jim McCormick. Together they created Caffeine Music, an innovative venue that promoted local singers and songwriters. Held for six years at Carrollton Station, it provided a place where both new and established musicians could share their talents and expand their audience.

Fiercely proud of his neighborhood and devoted to New Orleans (particularly during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest), Jim was the president of the Mid-City Neighborhood Association in pre-Katrina 2005 and also in 2006. He was also an integral member of the Mid-City Arts Market, now known as the Arts Market of New Orleans. He will be remembered by his siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews for his kindness, his generous heart and sense of humor. Jim's friends will cherish their memories of what fun it was to spend time with him, of his calm and endearing spirit, and his great capacity for joy. Please send donations to the American Cancer Society in his honor.