Howard Jackson Taylor, H.J. to friends and family, passed away on Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at his home with several loved ones at his side. H.J. was born August 21, 1939 at Wiley, Georgia, the second child of his mother Gladys Taylor and father George Taylor. His family moved to Washington State when he was nine years old. He attended schools in Kennewick and joined the Unites States Air Force at age seventeen. After Basic Training in San Diego, he completed his tour of duty at the U.S. Air Base in Keflavik, Iceland and was honorably discharged in 1960. A hard worker all of his life H.J. was hired by United Builders of Yakima, as a drywall contractor in 1964 and worked, through boom & bust economies, for forty-six years. H.J.'s quiet demeanor, fair treatment of people, and his ability to get the job done earned him great respect from his fellow co-workers at United Builders. H.J. loved the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He looked forward to camping with family & friends and took pleasure in helping to coordinate several family reunions. When the kids were younger, H.J. kept horses and taught all four to ride. He also shared his passion for riding motorcycles and passed along the skills necessary to keep those bikes running. He taught the kids to water ski. During summer months he'd finish work on Friday then pull the boat to O'Sullivan Reservoir and spend the weekend on the water. H.J. was a fan of NASCAR. He seldom missed an NFL game and remained loyal to the Seattle Seahawks regardless of their record. He almost always had a dog. His current and almost constant companion was 'Shar" a German Shepherd/ Sharpei mix. H.J. was a good and just man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by Patty, his wife of thirty-seven years: four children and their spouses, Sonya and Don Preussler, Cindy and Robert Weekes, Tracy and Cari Taylor and Alan and Heather Vandine: eight grandchildren: called "Papa Shar" by two great-granddaughters; his brother David Taylor; sisters Lorraine Smith, Wilma Schrier and Barbara Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Virginia Hack. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 25 at Riverview Heights Cemetery, 1200 S. Olympia Street in Kennewick. The family suggests donations to Memorial Hospital Home-Care Hospice Services, 2701 Tieton Dr. Yakima, WA.