James Edward Taft, age 77, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 20th surrounded by family and friends at LifeSpan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek.
Jim was born May 1, 1934 in Battle Creek, the youngest son of the late Rolland S. and Gussie M. Taft (Winters). Born and raised in Battle Creek, Jim attended Battle Creek Public Schools and graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1952. While at Battle Creek Central, Jim was a 2x State diving Champion and All-American in 1951 and 1952. Upon enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1953, Jim was given the opportunity to compete in Diving competitions all across Europe and the United States. While stationed in England, Jim met and married Mary Bernadette Corcoran in October 1956. He then returned to the U.S. after being Honorably Discharged in August 1957 with his bride and daughter Suzanne. Upon his return from England, Jim retained his employment at Kellogg Company where he worked until his retirement in 1996 with over 43 years service. His last ten years were spent in the Powerhouse.
Jim was not only an outstanding athlete but he gave back to the community through athletics. He was an avid bike rider, riding across Michigan, Iowa and Canada in multiple riding events. He also rode for The American Cancer Society, raising over $10,000 for cancer research and awareness. He participated in the Senior Olympics winning several medals and awards. Jim spent a tremendous amount of time and effort working with the Harper Creek Wrestling Club as President and Vice-President as well as helping the Harper Creek Rocket Football program grow from the start. He was always a great supporter of Harper Creek Athletics and his many grandchildren that participated though the years. Jim participated in the Annual Leroy Sparks Swimming Marathon at Goguac Lake for many years. In 1989 he was bestowed the Leroy Sparks Award for his many hours spent working with youth athletic programs and coaching. He also spent many years coaching diving at Lakeview, Marshall and Harper Creek High Schools.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary “Bernie” Taft (Corcoran); 6 loving children, Suzanne M. Parker, James E. (Vicki) Taft II, Rolland C. (Julie) Taft, Sandra K. (Russell) Sawyer, Charles A. Taft and Ann C. (Paul Kauffman) along with 17 Grandchildren, 23 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild; brothers, Russell Taft, Wendal (Janette) Taft, William (Lois) Taft and sister Delores (John) Kenny.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Erwin Taft, Nelson Taft; sisters, Eleanor Stumpf (Ike), Maxine (Jerry) Groesbeck, Marion (Ralph) Young; son, James Edward Taft Jr. and Gradson Bradley A. Brubaker. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Battle Creek Community Foundation c/o The Ryan Case Fund, LifeSpan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, The Haven of Rest, or the Charity of One’s Choice. Friends may send condolences or share a memory at baxterfuneral.com. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. (269)788-9800

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