Jess Taylor

Jess Irvin Taylor, 92, of Safford, entered into eternal rest on June 3, 2017. He was born August 28, 1924 in Safford to Jesse Elmer & Eva Iris Hoopes Taylor. He attended schools in Safford, graduating from Safford High School and earning an Associate's Degree from Eastern Arizona College. In May of 1943, Jess enlisted into the U.S. Air Force as an Armorer Gunner. During his service he fought in Normandy, Ardennes, Northern France, air offensive in Europe and in Rhineland, during which time he earned the Air Medal, Bombardment Div. w/4 Oak leaf Clusters and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medals. He finally returned to the United States in 1945 and was discharged in October of that same year. After his honorable discharge, he met and then married Jean Bryce on April 11, 1947 in the Mesa LDS Temple. Together they were blessed with five children; Lenore, Penny, Paul, Ruth and Tony. Jess is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Jean, his children; Lenore (Jack) Martin, Penny (Larry) Utley, Paul (Janine) Taylor, Ruth (Doug) Stark and Tony (Alma) Taylor, 19 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse & Eva Taylor. A graveside service for Irvin and Jean will be on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 9 a.m. at the Bryce Cemetery. Military honors for Irvin will be provided by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.