James Taylor's Obituary
James Taylor (aka, Larry James Siddall) passed away at home on September 16, 2019. He was 67 years old. He was born to Robert H Siddall and Waneta A Swick in Battle Creek, MI, on February 18, 1952, and he attended Lakeview High School.
JT was a good-natured curmudgeon…and loved by everyone. Almost. As abrasive, opinionated and stubborn as he could be, he was brilliant and a gifted musician and song-writer and would help out a friend without hesitation. He loved karaoke, and enjoyed cajoling first timers into taking the microphone at the various Karaoke Night events at which he both hosted and preformed. He loved riding his Harley (“Ride hard. Live free.”), and he planned and participated in many rides and Poker Runs.
After living in Battle Creek until graduation, he joined the US Army until his honorable discharge in ****. He, then, moved to Alaska, back to Michigan, Florida, California, and then to Oregon. In 1996, his final move was to Tacoma, WA. There, he installed phone booths (there’s a blast from the past!) and published “Steel Horse Magazine”, first in print and then online, until retiring and acting as RV park manager for the Lakewood Elks Lodge.
JT was a proud Past Exalted Ruler of the Lakewood Elks 2388, a Past Exalted Ruler of Brookings Lodge 1934, and a Past Exalted Ruler of Lincoln City Lodge 1886. He promoted Veteran programs, Elks National Foundation programs, and promoted State Elks Association programs. Their Brother will truly be missed by all that knew him.
At the Elks, JT loved to sing, and he started Karaoke at the Lakewood Elks Lodge. He re-started the Hoop Shoot program for children (a free-throw competition), over 10 years ago.
After his time as ER, he continued to organize poker runs to benefit the Veteran program.
It was there he met his wife, the former Ruth Stewart. They lived happily sharing their love for karaoke and the Elks until her death in 2015.
JT is survived by his half-sister, Lynn (Siddall) Toornman, his step-sisters Geri (Teakle) McHam, Karen (Teakle) Lemieux, and Lori Teakle, several beloved nieces and a nephew, and his extended family at the Lakewood Elks Lodge.
He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
An Elks Memorial Service will be held for JT on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the Lakewood Elks Lodge at 6313 75th Street W, Lakewood, WA 98499, with a potluck immediately following.
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