JIM TAYLOR, COLUMBIA

WHY - Like so many others I was introduced to the outdoors by my maternal Grandfather, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. A cherished childhood memory of mine is the fishing trips we ventured out on during the summer. What boy growing up in a small town wouldn’t love to be out with his Grandfather. Sadly he left us to soon but before his passing he had successfully lit the outdoors fire in me. Scouting provided another route to the outdoors,hiking, camping, exploring the bounty of nature. During the high school years weekends were spent hunting for deer and rabbits, fishing in the ponds lakes, and rivers. I have been hooked on the outdoors now for decades. In the past several years hiking has become a source of great outdoor enjoyment. Along with a valued hiking companion I have hiked the Grand Canyon yearly and have completed more than a dozen rim to rim hikes. Training for these hikes goes on year round and a favorite local training spot is the Harbison State Forest, most weekends I find myself on the trails there making miles and enjoying the weather, the forest, birds, the river, deer, and small game. Spending time outdoors is a time of connection and renewal for me. I am truly blessed that I hear nature’s call and pledge to be a protector and steward of our shared natural resources.

BIO - Grew up in North Carolina in the small railroad community of Hamlet, completed high school in 1970, and Elon College in 1975. Working career stops included furniture manufacturing, advertising sales, decorative overlay products sales for Decotone Technographics,  Advanced Printing Technologies, CDM Manufacturing, and US Coating. For the last decade, I have enjoyed real estate land sales with National Land Realty LLC.

Married to Elizabeth for 45 years, we have a daughter and a son. Catherine and Erik, Jack and Laurel have blessed us with Samuel, Blythe Evans, Julian, Augusta, and William. Member and Elder at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church. Founding member of the Saluda Shoals Foundation, active with Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, President of Butler Plantation Hunting Club. Hobbies include hiking, especially the Grand Canyon, golf, hunting, and Clemson Tiger athletics.