James Idol Taylor

James Idol Taylor, 72, of Marble Falls died on June 7, 2012, surrounded by his family in Austin.

Born on Nov. 16, 1939, in Donna, he was the son of James Eldon Taylor and Florence Martha Taylor.  He graduated from El Centro Union High School in El Centro, Calif., in 1957. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration from Pan American University in Edinburg in 1962. He served in the Army Reserve and National Guard.

He never met a stranger, was a prolific hugger, would offer the mailman and the garbage man an ice-cold Coke every chance he could, drove his dog to the store every morning to get the paper, and could build the most wonderful things in his woodshop.

He worked for the The Hartford Insurance Group for 17 years in various positions across the country. He retired as a vice president and division manager in 1990.  

From 1990-1998 he was the chairman, president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Penn National Insurance company. He oversaw the construction of their new corporate headquarters, which remains an icon on the Harrisburg, Penn., skyline.

He held chairmanships and directorships with several insurance industry trade associations including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

He was an active humanitarian, donating his time and efforts to a wide range of charitable and civic organizations including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, The United Way, Penn State University, the Marble Falls Public Library and the Lions Club.

Locally, he was very active with First Baptist Church of Marble Falls, serving on several boards and committees. He also served on the Meadowlakes City Council and was mayor pro tem.

His interests included hunting, fishing, travel, carpentry and community service. In his lifetime he visited the 50 states, drove a recreational vehicle across Alaska, rode a zip line above the jungle in Costa Rica, kissed the deputy prime minister of Canada (a lady) and went hunting with retired Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf.  

He kept a beautiful lawn wherever he lived, could never resist giving a dog a treat, could laugh so hard it would make him cry, and has a standing order for a strawberry shake at Diary Queen.

Survivors include wife Iris; son Kiley and wife Bonnie; daughters Erin and husband Andy, and Tami and husband Joel; and grandson Dylan.

A funeral service is 1 p.m. June 9 at First Baptist Church, 501 Twelfth St. in Marble Falls.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church building fund.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.