James Taylor

 

James Taylor was one of the very first boys in La Junta to become interested in Indian Lore. He officially received his Eagle Scout rank from the Rocky Mountain Council on April 27, 1929; earning it in just 18 months at the age of 14. James Taylor graduated from La Junta High School in 1933, the same year the Koshares officially began. Taylor was one of the boys who danced at the first Koshare show at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in November of 1933.

Later Life

1934 Entered West Point

1938 Graduated from West Point

1939 Promoted to Captain, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 112th Field Artillery

1942 Captain stationed on the New Caledonia Island off Australia

1943 Major South Pacific

1946 Got Married

1950 Lt. Colonel stationed at Fort Sill

1953 Headquarter in Japan

1954 Stationed in Japan

1955 Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island

1956 Executive Officer in Paratroop Division

1957 U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division in Germany

1958 Executive officer of Paratroopers, Europe

1961 Washington, D.C.

1963 Tour in Korea

1964 Alexandria, Virginia

1967 Pentagon; Washington, D.C.

1967 Retired From 29 years with the Army

1971 Recieved Masters Degree in Business Administration

After military service, Taylor became a Management Engineer Consultant. He has been a lifetime member of the Koshare Dancers.