TAGGART, James Knox, 74, a lifelong resident of Tampa, passed into eternal life on April 7, 2011.

Beloved father, brother, friend, and husband, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Marguerite K. Taggart. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Linda S. Taggart; his son, Mark Wilson Taggart; his two beautiful and gifted granddaughters, Lindsay Anne and Taylor Lynn Taggart; and stepdaughters, Jennifer Brown Novellas and Shara Brown White. Jim’s brothers and their families include: Joseph and Suzanne Taggart, their son, Joseph (Mary), and daughters, Teale Smith (Trey), Jolyn Lively (Derek), and Paige Taggart; John and Barbara Taggart, and their son, Jason (Jennifer) and daughter Jessica Diehl (Cain).

Jim and Linda are members of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church. Jim attended local public schools, graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 1954, and the University of Florida in 1959 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Jim held a Florida C.P.A. license.

He began his professional career in 1959 with the Bogue, Compton, and Vass C.P.A. firm, becoming one of ten partners in 1963. Jim was honorably discharged from the United States Army in April. 1965. In 1966 Jim joined Tampa Electric Company becoming controller and treasurer in 1970.

He served in a variety of capacities including: VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer (1974); Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer for TECO Energy, Inc. (1980); Vice President and Group Executive for Transportation, Coal and Strategic Planning for TECO Energy, Inc. (1986); Executive VP of TECO Energy, Inc. and President of TECO Diversified (1987-1994).

Jim was nationally recognized as an expert in the utility industry for his knowledge and experience in utility diversification, finance, management, and regulation. Jim also served on the boards of Barnett Bank of Tampa and Paradyne Corporation. He held leadership roles in many social service, professional, and community organizations, including: founding member of the Public Utility Research Council (PURC) at the University of Florida receiving PURC’s Distinguished Service Award in 1991; chair of the United Way allocation committee; member of the Children’s Home Board; president of the Tampa Club; finance council chair for Sacred Heart Catholic Church; and as a board member of several Harbour Island community organizations. Jim enjoyed a lifelong affiliation with the University Club, the Tampa Yacht Club, the Merrymakers Club, and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

In retirement Jim volunteered his time, talent, and tutoring in support of quality education and student scholarship programs at Tampa’s Jesuit High School, Saint Leo University, and Academy Prep Center of Tampa. Jim’s gifts to the community also included his inspiring example as a liver transplant and cancer survivor. Jim credited is “faith, family, and friends” as the source of his strength and perseverance in the face of serious illness and suffering. Jim’s family is forever grateful for the expert and tender loving care Jim received from the Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville) and Tampa General Hospital medical staff and communities.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Jim’s name to student scholarship funds at Tampa’s Jesuit High School (4701 N. Himes Ave., Tampa FL 33614), Saint Leo University (PO Box 6665, MC 2187, Saint Leo FL 33574-6665), or Academy Prep Center of Tampa (1407 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa FL 33605). A funeral Mass will be offered for the repose of Jim’s soul at 12 noon, Monday, April 11, at Saint Lawrence Catholic Church, 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, Monsignor Laurence Higgins officiating. Visitation with the family will take place at the Church from 10 a.m. until the start of Mass at 12 noon. A private internment service will follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park.