JACKSONVILLE  -  Jimmy "JJ" Ray Taylor, 68, of Jacksonville, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024.

Join us in celebrating JJ's life at 12:45 PM on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at Jones Funeral Home,  Jacksonville Chapel. Following the service, we will gather to pay our respects at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, where JJ will receive the military honors he so bravely earned.

We invite you to share memories and support JJ's family during the visitation hours from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

Born in Snyder, TX, and raised on a ranch, JJ's journey led him to roping, bull riding, barrel racing, and to proudly serve in the United States Marine Corps until his retirement. After he retired from the military, JJ led an exciting life. He was a bounty hunter, rodeo judge, horse trainer, and vehicle maintenance contractor at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base and Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.

JJ was a valued member of the Piney Green Horse Club, Midway Park, NC, and was recognized for his expertise and knowledge of training and riding horses. He enjoyed long trail rides, camping, and cooking with the club members.

In JJ's life journey, he was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Alean Taylor, his sister, Beverly Taylor, and his loved horses, Cash and Fancy.

JJ leaves behind a legacy of love and family. He is survived by his daughters, Angela Nguyen (Vincent) of Holly Springs, Erika Reyeros (Anthony) of Morrisville, and Kimberly Taylor of Cincinnati, OH; his cherished grandchildren, Abigail, Sebastian, Kaiya, and Anthony; and his significant other for over 20 years, Nancy Fournier, alongside her children, Jason Fournier and Stephen Fournier; and his siblings, Lonnie Dotson, Billy Faye Taylor, Terral (Wanda) Taylor, Maxine Taylor, Pauline Kyei, and Joe Taylor, as well as his numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.