John Robert Taylor

May 16, 1932 – June 9, 2026

John lived a full life of adventure, hard work, fun and family; and passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026. His wife Josele, of more than 73 years passed away January 15, 2026. They are together again, and both are missed by all.

John was born in Nehawka, Nebraska to Robert D. Taylor and Hope St. John Taylor. The family moved to Lewiston Idaho in 1942 and then to Salem in 1947. John attended Parrish Junior High and Salem High (now North Salem High School). He graduated in 1949 and served in the US Naval Reserves. He and Josele were married July 8, 1952, and they have three daughters: Carrie, Debbie and Peggy. After raising their family, John and Josele moved to Hubbard in 1977 to be closer to their business.

John worked with his father and brother, Chuck, at Salem Brake & Wheel until 1964 when he and Josele opened Taylor Honda Sports in Woodburn. The name was later changed to Taylor Motorcycles Inc, as Kawasaki and other brands were added. John loved motorcycles and was an accomplished racer winning many races at Sidewinders track in Portland. He also raced the Gypsy Tour in Long Beach in addition to many dual sport races and 100-milers in the desert. John toured in Europe on a motorcycle and made several motorcycle trips with friends down the Baja peninsula in Mexico.

Family outings included camping with Honda Trail 90’s and later jet skis, snow ski trips to Hoodoo and Mt. Bachelor and many pool parties at their Hubbard home. John and Josele bought a Sunriver vacation home where many summer and winter memories were made. As grandkids were added, they became known as Grandpa John and Granny. Grandpa John was always leading a handful of grandkids through the trees at Mt, Bachelor and Granny was the clean up for crashes along the way.

The motorcycle shop was an anchor in the greater Woodburn, Molalla, Silverton, Mt Angel and St Paul communities. They served several generations, especially area farmers. Their business model was simple, take care of the customers with honesty and integrity. John was the face of the business and Josele was the money manager. There were several arguments between the two about buying more motorcycles and how to pay for them. Somehow, they made it work and the bills got paid. Taylor Motorcycles opened in 1964 and closed in 2020, after 56 years in business. John was 88 years old at the time the shop closed, always a work horse.

John is survived by daughters Carrie Taylor (Richard Roman), Debbie Baker (John Baker) and Peggy Taylor. Nine grandchildren: Sydney, Eric, Bethany, Natalie, Alec, Samantha, Lauren, Sophia and Patrick as well as 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. John’s sister Mary Lou Johnson and brother Charles Taylor pre-deceased him.

A combined celebration of life for both John and Josele will be held at The Kraemer Farm, Grace Acres on August 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm, 36398 S. Farm Rd, Mt. Angel, Oregon 97362.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory, SNCO.org, donate button in memory of John & Josele Taylor. Arrangements by Simon-Cornwell Funeral Home in Woodburn. Private interment will be in Lebanon, Oregon.