James Nash TAGGART

In Remembrance of James Nash Taggart James Nash Taggart was born the only son of Effee Nash Taggart and James E. Taggart in Dallas Texas on February 10th, 1929. He grew up with his two older sisters, Mary and Eleanor. He would later attend Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Masters in Geology. James would go on to receive a PhD in Geology from Harvard. He conducted a comprehensive geologic survey of the Gore Range located in Summit County Colorado. There he would spend four summers roaming the mountains collecting data for his thesis. I can remember boxes of rock samples that were stored in the garage for years until my father was reluctantly convinced to throw them out. The information from dad’s thesis is still used to this day. While working on his doctoral thesis, my father taught at Rice University. It was also during that period that he met my mother, Barbara and married on November 4th 1961. James was hired by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in a career that would span forty years. Fortunately for us, dad’s work relocated him to Colorado where I grew up. Our family lived in Boulder, Colorado for many years and then in Golden, Colorado. My parents would later move to Littleton, Colorado. It wasn’t until 2007 that they relocated to Marquette, Michigan to be closer to my family, especially their grandchildren. During his time with the USGS, James was responsible for tracking and reporting all earthquake activity world- wide; also determining the placement of seismograph stations throughout the country. He truly loved his work and would often work from home on weekends. My father was a huge fan of classical music. I remember Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and many other famous composers being played in our house during my youth. He was also an avid sports fan, especially golf. James also loved to travel. We took long extended trips throughout the western United States making sure to hit all the National Parks along the way. In later years camping gave way to international travel. My mother and father took many trips to Europe. France was always their favorite destination. James is survived by his wife Barbara; his step- son, James Buchanan Poe; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Bruce Taggart and Marcia Ellen, and his grandchildren, Mitchall Roe Taggart, Zachary Nash Taggart, and Michael Owen Taggart. We love you dad! You will be missed! No services are scheduled at this time. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Lake Superior Hospice Association, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mr. Taggart’s memory. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com