John Howard Taylor

Obituary – John Howard Taylor The life of John Howard Taylor began on October 15, 1953, in Plainfield, NJ, to Russell Davis Taylor and Alice “Mable” Taylor. He gently departed from this earth early Saturday morning, November 9, 2024.

Affectionately known as “Johnnie” or “JT,” he had a smile that not only brightened any room but captivated all who had the pleasure of being in his presence. Johnnie’s jovial and contagious laugh was matched by his ability to hold your attention as he told stories or made you laugh with one of his comedic anecdotes. An angler, die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, movie buff (especially of creature features), music lover, Thanksgiving chef famous for his sweet potato pies, and lifetime ticket holder on the Mothership Connection—Johnnie’s passions left an indelible mark on those around him.

John and Debra’s love story began over twenty-five years ago with a smile and a simple hello. Sparks ignited, and soulmates were magnetized together, forever connected. They were simply inseparable—if you saw one, you saw the other. They often joked about being apart only four times in their entire relationship, half of which were when Johnnie traveled with his daughter, Jaz-Min, including the unforgettable “Dadnapping Adventure.” John was a faithful and devoted husband, and their connection was something few ever experience.

Being the eldest sibling, Johnnie’s paternal instincts came naturally as he led, guided, nurtured, and helped raise his sisters and brothers. Shortly after graduating from Plainfield High School, John served in the U.S. Navy, traveling extensively to places such as Guam and Africa. A proud Plainfield native, he played bass guitar for years with George Clinton and the original Parliament Funkadelic.

Johnnie loved children, his niece Nicky being the first to experience the famous “JT LOVE GRIP.” His sister often joked, “Can I have my baby back?” because once Johnnie connected with a child, there was no turning back. However, Johnnie’s biggest accomplishment was being a father to his beloved daughter, Jaz-Min Korren Taylor, whom he adored deeply—a fact everyone knew. He treasured being “PopPop” to his granddaughter, Judea Korren Taylor, and shared an inseparable bond with her.

John was preceded in death by his father, Russell; mother, Alice; and brother, Russell Davis Taylor Jr. (“Chip”). He is survived by loving wife, Debra Taylor; and his legacy lives on in his daughter, Jaz-Min Korren Taylor (“Cheeseburger”); his stepson Hasan T. Smith; granddaughter, Judea Korren Taylor (“Bumblebee”). He is also survived by his brother Robert Taylor (wife Nancy Taylor); sisters Alice “Cookie” Mills (husband Reginald Mills); Darlene Ruth Howard (husband Darryl M. Howard), Cheryl Ann Blair (husband Channing Blair), and sister-in law Patricia “Patsy” Roberts; and cherished grandchildren-in-love, Campbell (“Little Buddy”) and Kayla (“Frog”). He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever miss and love him.

People touch our lives, if only for a moment, yet we’re not the same from that moment on. The time is not important; the moment is forever.