John L. Taft

Taft, John L. "JT" Retired Southport Town Justice, age 79, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 13, 2016. John was born on March 1st, 1937 in Rochester, NY, the son of the late John S. and Marion (Lothian) Taft. He is also predeceased in death by his beloved brother-in-law and best friend, William Middaugh. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret "Marge" (Georgia) Taft; daughter, Mary Ellen "Mel" Taft (Mitch Carmack) of Deltona, FL; son, John "Jack" (Nancy) Taft of Pine City, NY; son, Robert "Rob" (Amy) Taft of Horseheads, NY; sister, Jane (Taft) Middaugh of Pine City, NY; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Butler of Horseheads, NY; grandchildren, Lauren Taft (Brandon Tague) of Kingwood, TX, Megan Raymer (Jason) of Longwood, FL, Tyler Taft, Mackenzie Taft, Zackary Taft and Madison Taft, all of Pine City, NY, Bryan Taft of Southport, NY and Brittany (Joshua) Hurd of Elmira, NY; great grandchildren, Isabella Tague and Jordan Taft; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jim and Kendra Castello, Diane Dickinson, Faith Miles and Molliegh Malanoski. John attended Mansfield State College and received his Master's Degree from Elmira College. He was an Eagle Scout and US Army veteran. He retired from the Elmira City School District after 37 years of dedicated service as a Driver Education teacher. He proudly served as a Southport Town Justice for 22 years. He was an active member and proudly served as Vice President of the Bent Palms Condo Association. John loved his annual trips to his second home in Florida, where he enjoyed spending time with special friends. John was dedicated to his faith and his family. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave., Elmira/Southport on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM and from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. Memorial services will take place the following day at St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira on Monday, October 17 at 12:00PM (noon). The Reverend John DeSocio will officiate. JT's guestbook may be signed at www.olthof.com. The family would like to thank the thoughtful and caring staff at the Corning Guthrie Infusion Center for the wonderful care he received. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s honor to the Guthrie Cancer Treatment Center, 2 Guthrie Drive, Corning, NY 14830.