James "J. T." Jerome Taylor

James “J. T.” Taylor, 76, Marathon, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at his home.

He was born August 13, 1948 in Wausau, son of the late James and Velda (Hotchkiss) Taylor.   On November 10, 1990, he married Karen Baumann at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Halder.  She survives.

Jim served in the United States Army and proudly worked as a helicopter mechanic for 18 months.  Jim was a jack of all trades and had many different jobs throughout his life that included working at Marshfield Homes, a Christmas tree farm, ginseng fields, mining in Wyoming, bartending at the former Bob & Jane’s in Halder, working at the cheese factory in Halder and at Leo Michlig’s feed mill, and welding at Kafka’s, Red Rock and Roehl Granite.  He retired from County Concrete in Marathon.

Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed playing with his two cats while watching the History Channel, documentaries, military shows and UFO programs. He also liked to go fishing, cut lawn, work at the sawmill with his father-in-law, and work in his garage. He loved his ice-cream, cookies and donuts. His loved ones will always remember his sense of humor. No matter what, he always had a joke for every occasion.

Survivors include, his wife, Karen; three daughters, Megan Blue, Mary (Brian) Villanueva and Katelyn Taylor; one granddaughter, Skylar Blue, and 15 siblings, Richard (Priscilla) Taylor, Rosemary Rhodes, Vernon Taylor, Susan (Dennis) Shuda, Elizabeth (Darrel) Rogers, Cindy Hayes, Tina (Max) Ross, Ruth (Arnold) Bohman, Catherine (Robert) Bustos, Margaret Taylor, June (Steven) Bohn, Lori (Randy) Wainhouse, Tammy Carlisle, William (Margaret) Taylor, and Gerald (Lhyn) Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Luke Taylor.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Halder.  Rev. Joseph Nakwah will preside.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 469, Marathon. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com