Jack Howard Taylor, Jr. age, 76 of Dallas, Texas, died on August 4, 2014 in Frisco, Texas. He was born on August 1, 1938 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Cathrynn Louise (Allen) and Jack Howard Taylor. Jack was a Pulitzer Prize nominee and an award winning, investigative journalist. He worked for newspapers across the country including OPUBCO (The Oklahoman), The Denver Post, The Dallas Times Herald, and The Los Angeles Daily News.
After serving in the newspaper industry for over 30 years, Jack established a private investigation firm, Taylor Research & Investigations in 1992, which he operated until his retirement in 2012.
Jack was also proud to have served his country in the United States armed forces including the U.S. Naval Reserve (1955 - 1958), the Regular U.S. Army (1958 - 1962) , Jungle Warfare Expert (1959 - 1981), U.S. Army Reserve (1962 - 1963 and 1965 - 1981), and the Oklahoma Army National Guard, 1963-1965. He resigned his commission as a Major in the Infantry in 1981.
Jack served his community and his church, The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, by contributing his time and funds to a variety of causes. His philanthropic work included creating and operating the Dallas Area Needle & Syringe Exchange (DANSE) and working with various angencies supporting persons with aids and the LGBT community.
Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Myrna Taylor of Dallas, Texas; five children, Vernon Lee Taylor, Stephen Blake Taylor, Kathryn Marilouise Violette, Shannon Elizabethann Taylor and Stephanie Suzanne Taylor; six grandchildren, Ashley Taylor Skeff McKinnon, Christine Reynier, Cody Parkin, Zac Taylor, Casey Violette, and Donovan Taylor; three great-grandchildren, two nephews, and a niece
Jack is preceded in death by two sons, Jack Howard Taylor, III and Philip Alexander Taylor; parents, Cathrynn and Jack Taylor; and his sister, Oteka Lou.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration with Interment in the church columbarium on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.