James W. Taylor, Jr. Classic LifeGuard Page, Arizona

James was truly charming, charismatic and motivated. He could make you laugh when all seemed lost and could make any situation seem lighter with his quick wit and light spirit. James loved the spotlight and was phenomenal under pressure. He was truly larger than life!

James, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was a leader from the beginning. He joined the military immediately after graduating high school. A veteran of Desert Storm, he served as an army medic while stationed in Germany. Upon graduation from nursing school, he received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Reserves. At the time of his death, he was a combat medic instructor with the 9th Battalion 4th Brigade 104 Division (IT) based at Camp Parks, CA. His dedication to his country and to the memory of those who served before him was shown in tribute by three successful runs in the Bataan Memorial Death March.

James and his wife, Traci, had three sons, James Mason, Weston Gary and Jackson Wade. James loved playing baseball with his boys, taking them on an annual family trip to Disneyland, hiking, watching movies, catching a Bees game at the park or watching the Red Sox on TV.

As an RN, James worked in the emergency departments of LDS Hospital, IMC and St. Marks Hospital. His true passion for serving others was especially shown when he started his job as flight nurse with Classic LifeGuard. He loved making the 4-hour commute to Page, Arizona, knowing he would fly to save lives. His true dedication was shown June 29, 2008 when his helicopter collided mid-air with another medical helicopter while both were approaching Flagstaff Medical Center. James W. Taylor, Jr. battled to survive for five days, and as a true patriot died on the Fourth of July, 2008; he was 36.

Honored 2009 National EMS Memorial