Idaho State Journal, 10/15/09
SODA SPRINGS - John Woodrow (Jack) Taylor passed away on October 8, 2009. Jack was born August 20, 1916, in Montpelier, Idaho, to John E. and Genevieve Shupe Taylor. He was the third of six children and the only boy. Jack grew up in Montpelier, attending school and teasing his sisters. He graduated from Montpelier High School and continued his education for another two years at Utah State University, where he studied forest science and was a member of the Delta Nu fraternity. During the summer when school was not in session, Jack worked as a butcher at Jones' Market in Montpelier and was a state game warden.
He also spent time wooing a local beauty, and on November 26, 1937, he married Enid Maurine Peterson. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in November of 1963.
In 1938, Jack began a lifelong career with the Union Pacific Railroad - first as a fireman, and later, an engineer. Eleven years and two children later, the couple relocated their family to Pocatello, Idaho, where Jack continued his work on the railroad. He began a 25-year volunteer position as a meat cutter for the LDS Bishop's Storehouse and created posters and other artwork to advertise activities for his church.
Jack was an artist. He was a talented calligrapher and cartoonist, painting window signs for Frasure's Market. In 1982, after 44 years of service, Jack retired from the railroad. He began painting with oils and became a member of the Pocatello Art Center.
Jack was an avid gardener. His garden was a masterpiece of both engineering and agriculture. His vegetables were beautiful, plentiful, and tasty; and he shared his harvest generously with others. He was also a voracious reader with an enviable collection. In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Jack was very generous with his time and service. He watched over neighbors, mowing lawns for people who could not do it themselves, and delivering groceries to those who could not leave their homes. He cut game meat for both friends and relatives.
Jack and Enid moved to Orem, Utah, in 2006 to be closer to family. After 71 years of marriage, Enid passed away in 2008.
Jack is survived by two children, Dr. Jacqueline Taylor Voyles of Orem, Utah, and Dr. John E. Taylor of Boston, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by one sister, Beverley Repp of Penn Valley, California. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and four sisters, Bertha Berger, Nelda Roderick, Mary Day, and Ione Hertager.
The family would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the management and staff of the Courtyard at Jamestown Assisted Living Community and Vista Hospice Care for their respectful and tender care of Jack.
Jack was a blessing in our lives, and he and his many talents and generosity will be missed dearly.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009, at noon at the Sims Funeral Home in Soda Springs. Burial will be in the Montpelier Cemetery.