Dennis James Taylor

Dennis James Taylor, age 83 of Prescott, Arizona, passed away on November 18, 2025.

Dennis was born on November 6, 1942 in Compton, California to his beautiful and loving parents, Glen and Ruth Taylor. Four years after Dennis’ birth, the family welcomed his younger brother Donald. The boys were raised in Temple City, California.

Dennis had a happy childhood. He was well liked by his peers, recognized for his kindness, sense of humor, and athletic ability, and these qualities stayed within him throughout his life. As a youth and then as a teen he played baseball, basketball, football, and track. In middle school he played the trumpet in the school band. In high school he was a star athlete, which led him to play college football in Washington state. Dennis also proudly served in the United States Navy in San Francisco, California.

In the late 1960’s Dennis met Janet, after they both experienced brief first marriages. The chemistry that they felt upon meeting ended up lasting a lifetime, they were married in 1972. At the time of their marriage, Dennis adopted Julie, Janet’s daughter, from her first marriage. Both Dennis and Janet enjoyed the joys of parenthood as they raised Julie in Upland, California.

While in Upland, Dennis worked in sales. His likeable personality and golf game helped to make him a top producer at any company that he represented. During this time period, the family enjoyed trips to Maui, time at the family cabin in Arrowhead, and gatherings on birthdays and holidays with extended family. It should be noted that Dennis had a way with children. He was always a hit with his nieces, nephews, and then later in life with his great-nieces and nephews. He was playful, silly, and loving. Dennis also enjoyed years of working at the Pomona Raceway drag racing events and playing golf with his friends in both southern California and later in Prescott.

Early in retirement, Dennis and Janet were visiting cousins Bob and Nancy Johnson in Arizona, and while there, they discovered the Prescott Lakes housing development. It didn’t take them long to decide that they wanted to move to this beautiful location. They selected a lot on the 11th tee and never had any regrets. While in Arizona, they enjoyed many adventures with Bob and Nancy. The Prescott Lakes neighborhood provided additional treasured friendships and years of fun. Golfing and weekly gatherings filled their calendars.

Dennis and Janet enjoyed life and remained very much in love until Janet’s passing in 2018. Their Prescott friends continued to include Dennis and look after him after Janet passed. He was so grateful for this, as was his out-of-state family. The family would like to especially thank Nancy Johnson, Steve Turner, Jack Woycheese, and John and Sharon Stuczynsk.

Dennis is survived by his loving daughter Julie Pelletier, nephews Rod Coleman, Greg Murray, nieces, Brenda Coleman (Michael Blaugrund), Sally Coleman, and Cris Baker, as well as great-nephew Derek Baker, and great-nieces Jacki Phelps, Jessi Blaugrund, Holly Machuzak, Kelly Machuzak, and Alyssa Baker.