Julius James Taft

Julius James Taft, more commonly known as Jim or JJ, passed away on March 12, 2014, at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on February 18, 1923. His parents, Julius and Katherine, were immigrants from Hungary. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Ernie, and grandson Charlie.

JJ attended Eagle Rock High School, where he played football, graduating with the winter 1942 class. Soon after graduating, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, seeing combat in the Pacific on Guadalcanal, and later serving as an aircraft armorer. After reaching the rank of Tech Sergeant and earning several medals, he was given an honorable discharge in 1946. After leaving the service he worked for the US Postal Service, as a Letter Carrier until he retired in 1978.

On June 4, 1949, he married Catherine Engbrecht and was a devoted and loving husband for sixty-four years. Together they had five children, eleven grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters.

He was selflessly devoted to his wife and family, considering them the greatest riches of his life. JJ gained a quiet strength and a depth of spirit from growing up in hard times with his immigrant family. This along with the other challenges that followed, helped to mold and exhibit his life of graciousness. He was profoundly grateful for all the good things in his life.

He was an excellent bridge player and golfer, and he charmed all the ladies with his dancing ability. He was a faithful member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, for more than sixty-five years where he was their longest serving usher. Always ready to offer his help to anyone in need, he delivered Meals on Wheels, coached Little League baseball, led the Boy Scouts, and pioneered recycling.

It is impossible to condense the beauty of his life into a few short lines. He will be greatly missed by those lucky enough to call him husband, father, grandpa, and friend.

His family and friends will gather at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Eagle Rock, CA, for a Rosary and viewing Wednesday evening, March 19 at 7:30. The funeral Mass will be held the following morning, March 20 at 10:00. Internment, immediately following the service, will be at Forest Lawn Glendale. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Forest Lawn.