Jay Taylor

Jay Taylor of Idaho Falls passed away peacefully with his family present on June 22nd from natural causes.  Jay suffered from multiple sclerosis, but was never a victim of this disease.  Jay lived his life to the fullest, despite his disability, and enjoyed his family, watching golf and old westerns.

Jay was born December 11, 1947 in Huron, South Dakota to William and Charlotte Taylor.  The Taylor family later moved to Newcastle, Wyoming.  Jay attended school in Newcastle, graduating from high school in 1966.

Jay attended college at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa where he met Miriam Wall.  They were married in 1968.  Upon graduation, they moved to Missoula, Montana and started their family.  Son, Jay was born in 1969 and daughter Sarah was born in 1972.  Jay went on to graduate from the University of Montana in 1972.

After graduating from college, Jay and family spent several years moving between Montana, Minnesota, and Nebraska before settling in Idaho Falls in 1980.  Jay’s professional life included retail management, construction management, and finally, working for EG&G at the Idaho National Laboratory.

In 2001, Jay returned to Newcastle, Wyoming to retire.  During these years he was able to spend time with his parents during their final years.  These were great years for Jay as he was able to connect with family, spent time at cookouts, and celebrated holidays.

By 2020, Jay’s mobility had become limited, so he returned to Idaho Falls and lived with his daughter Sarah and her family.  Here, he was able to live peacefully and was visited regularly by his family.

Jay is survived by his two children, Jay, and his wife Nikki, Taylor of Opheim, Montana and Sarah, and her husband Briam, Johnson of Idaho Falls, Idaho.  His grandchildren are Austyn Sparks and her husband Jarrett, Hannah Johnson, and her partner Weston Northrop, Kade Taylor and his wife Maegen, Jacob Johnson, Cole Taylor, Carrie Taylor, and Norah Johnson.  His great grandchildren are Ally Sparks, Jett Sparks, Jace Sparks, and Ryan Rose Taylor.  He is also survived by his sisters Lynda, and her husband William, Russell, of Newcastle, Sandra Elfstrom of Missoula, Montana, and his brother David, and his wife Beverly, Taylor of Newcastle.

A memorial service will be held for Jay on July 24, 2023 at 1:00pm at The First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 455 Sunnyside Rd., Idaho Falls, Id.  The memorial service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://firstlc.com/.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.org.