We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our beloved James Allen Taylor, 68, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on June 5, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Eleanor Goddu Taylor, and daughters Katherine Polley (Raymond), Lana Goddu, and Yulia Goddu, along with his grandchildren Raymond, Lauren, and Patrick Polley. He is also survived by sisters Laurie Smith (Larry) and Christine McNurlin (Dean) and brother William Taylor (Kim). He will be deeply missed by all.
Dr. Taylor was known for his brilliant mind, quick wit, and disarming personality. He lived a rich and diverse life inspired by possibilities and passion to understand the deepest elements of the human spirit. Dr. Taylor was considered one of the world's most respected marketing and branding consultants. He served as Global Chief Marketing Officer of Ernst & Young and held similar positions at Gateway Computers, Iomega Corporation and The Lyle Anderson Company. Dr. Taylor also served as Chief Executive Officer of Yankelovich, Skelly & White; and later, Executive Vice President and head of Hill and Knowlton's flagship New York office. More recently, he was Vice Chairman of Harrison Group, a YouGov Company, where he was the lead developer of the Global Study of Affluence and Wealth which became the annual benchmark source of insight and collaboration for luxury marketers. Dr. Taylor was named "Marketer of the Year" by Brandweek and was recognized as one of America's five leading business futurists by the Wall Street Journal. He particularly enjoyed his Honorary Doctorate in Futurology from McDonald's Hamburger University.
Dr. Taylor was a highly sought-after speaker with more than 500 significant presentations, including keynote addresses in a wide range of industries. Virtually every major business publication in America, Europe and Japan has quoted Dr. Taylor. Dr. Taylor was involved over the years as a consultant on several major education research studies, most notably the TIMSS international mathematics study that had a major influence on public policy regarding U.S. mathematics education. He consulted on several studies related to the Common Core and worked toward rebuilding student enthusiasm for mathematics in the state of Michigan. In 2015, he became a full professor of education at Michigan State University (MSU).
Dr. Taylor held a B.A. in Rhetoric from University of California, Berkeley, along with a Master's and Ph.D. in Communication from MSU, where he was recognized as a distinguished alumnus. Dr. Taylor co-authored four books, including The 500 Year Delta: What Happens After What Comes Next, The Visionary's Handbook, The New Elite, and Selling to the New Elite, which were well received and published in several languages. Dr. Taylor leaves behind a loving family, legions of devoted friends, admiring colleagues and appreciative clients.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on June 23, at Trinity Church in Southport, CT. A reception for all those in attendance will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Jim Taylor Memorial Fund for the Children of Flint, Flint Community Schools, 923 East Kerarsley St. Flint, MI 48503.
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