Honorees

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Year Honored
2009
Honoree
James Edward Taylor
Agency
Bonham Fire/EMS
Agency City
Bonham
Agency State
TX
Last Call
1/19/03
Cause of Death
Ambulance Involved MVC
Biography
James was a man known for his love of God, his family, his work and community service. His choice of careers came as no surprise since he loved helping others. He dedicated himself to a career as an EMT/firefighter and spent his non-working hours serving the local volunteer fire department. He volunteered as Santa Claus and presented fire safety lessons at elementary schools. He coordinated mock wrecks to discourage drinking and driving at schools.<br /> <br /> James Edward Taylor, 28, died in the line of duty on January 19, 2003 when he and a co-worker responded to a serious accident. The rescue vehicle was hit by a car that veered across its lane, sending both out of control and bursting into flames. He was employed by Bonham Fire/EMS for six months as a paid firefighter and EMT. He also volunteered at Blossom Texas Fire Department.<br /> <br /> In school, James played sports, wrote songs and poetry, sang, played guitar and keyboard. He loved making people laugh. Everyone loved his friendly, helpful nature but it was the comic in him that won people over. At work he was the department clown. His reenactments of "Shrek" earned him the nickname "Donkey." After his death, the department had a donkey painted on the side of an ambulance in his memory.<br /> <br /> James' loving nature made him the best father, husband, son, brother and friend a person could want.<br /> <br /> Honored 2009