James Graydon Taulbee

James Benjamin Graydon Taulbee (“Jim” or “Sonnie”) passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026 at the age of 86. Jim was born in Campton, Kentucky on June 21, 1939 to Graydon Eugene Taulbee and Alma Taulbee (Dunn).

Jim attended Hazel Green Academy, graduating in 1957. During his time at Hazel Green, Jim met Avenell Nickell in the seventh grade, which was the beginning of a lifelong relationship of more than 70 years together. They married on August 15, 1958. Jim and Avenell both attended Eastern Kentucky University, and soon welcomed two children into the world, James Lawrence Taulbee and Donetta Sharon Taulbee.

During his career, Jim worked as a history teacher, guidance counselor, and ultimately as a school psychologist. He had a particular gift for recognizing potential in students others might have overlooked and advocating on their behalf. He was there in times of crisis to support students and families during some of their hardest moments. Jim spent many years volunteering as a board member with the Brevard Achievement Center, supporting work for adults with disabilities.

Jim was curious, opinionated, deeply loving, and unapologetically himself. A lifelong student of history and psychology, he continually sought to better understand people and the world around him. We will think of Jim when we're out fishing, spending time on a boat, holding our beloved pets close, or having a beer with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Lois Avenell Taulbee (Nickell); his children James “Larry” Taulbee (Delia), Donetta Taulbee Hrkach (Tom); his sister Patricia Taulbee Tatman (John); his grandchildren Sean Tamblyn (Martha), Jenny Taulbee Elliott (David), Diana Taulbee Clarke (Blake), James Taulbee Jr, Scott Taulbee

(Courtney), Sara Hrkach Schabowsky (Matthew); and his eleven great-grandchildren Aiden, Cameron, Brayden, Dysen, Lena, Wells, Lily, Charlotte, Graydon, Selina, and Ellie.

Jim’s memorial service will be held October 10, 2026 in Campton, Kentucky at Porter and Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to:

Brevard Achievement Center

(https://bacemploy.com/ways-to-give/)

or Take Stock in Children (https://www.takestockinchildren.org/donate/)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4: There is a time for everything, and a season for

every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.

“What will survive all of us is love” - Philip Larkin