from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — James Taggart, 73, a lifelong resident of Monticello, N.Y., died May 13, 2015, at the Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Taggart was born Oct. 18, 1941, the son the late Andrew J. Taggart and Ida Avery Taggart. He was an outdoor enthusiast who loved his family, Standardbred racing, and spent many days hunting and fishing.

He was a former member of the U.S. Trotting Association and Ridge Runners Hunting Club, a self-employed roofer, and longtime caretaker at Morningside Acres.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathryn Ost Taggart; children, Debbie (Richard) Heins, Jamie (Nick) Ferrierro, Stacy (David) Heins, James Jr. (Patty) and Shane (Amy); grandchildren, Richard, Ryan, Haley, Hunter, Hannah and Madison; brother, George; sisters, Lenora (Walt) Magie and Agnes Rupp; several nieces and nephews; and his cohort, Curtis Smith. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Anne Stackhouse Taggart; and brothers Andrew, Stanley, William, Robert and Frank.

He will be lovingly remembered by those who knew him as a hardworking, dedicated family man with a gentle and kind spirit.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday (May 16) from 5-8 p.m. at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Fr. John Tran officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com.