N.J. family remembers 25-year-old son, Ida victim as ‘unapologetically himself’ and a dreamer

The Taylor family at a football game. From left to right: Becca Taylor, Stephen Taylor, Vanessa Taylor, Jake Taylor, and Matthew Taylor.
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Jake Taylor was an “unapologetically himself,” funny, and outgoing person, whose ambitious dreams were tragically cut short, his family said, when the remnants of Hurricane Ida tore through the state.

Taylor, 25, of Flemington, was one of many victims who died from the storm’s widespread and intense flooding and devastation. New Jersey had 30 fatalities from the storm — the highest of any state.

“He was definitely a dreamer,” said Matthew Taylor, 31, his brother. “Like he was one of those people you could not talk out of his dreams. If he had a dream, he was gonna get it.”

He had been working the early shift at Chick-fil-A, around 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. his siblings said, and had left for work the morning of the storm, Sept. 1.

As an early riser, Matthew Taylor recalled saying goodbye to his brother that morning — the last time he saw him.

“And I just told him to be careful out there because I knew what was coming weather-wise, even though he wasn’t supposed to be that far away,” he said. “But circumstances changed that day.”

He was one of six people who were identified as victims of the deadly storm in Hunterdon County, officials announced on Sept. 2, the day after the storm. Authorities found Taylor in Raritan, but his family knew few other details surrounding his death.

His family said he previously taught kids as a taekwondo instructor and earned a black belt himself. He dreamed of opening his own studio one day, they said.

Taylor also had aspirations of songwriting and becoming famous on TikTok, his family said. He received a keyboard with a percussion pad and microphone one Christmas and used it to make beats.

“He would just do the silliest things to make people laugh,” said Becca Taylor, 24, his sister. “He always, you know, wanted to make people laugh and feel good.”

Stephen Taylor, his father, recalled having an open-door policy at the house. Taylor’s friends were always welcome to come over, and people felt comfortable there, he said.

Taylor had a great group of friends and “was just a beautiful soul,” his father added.

Growing up, the three siblings often spent time together. They played sports — from football to kickball — outside, board games, and video games, like Super Smash Bros. Taylor also loved Marvel, Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon, his family said.

Taylor graduated from Hunterdon Central High School in 2014, and attended Raritan Community College for a bit, his family said.

Jake Taylor's family remembered him as funny, outgoing, and "unapologetically himself." The 25-year-old died as a result of Hurricane Ida's remnants on Sept. 1.

The family was overwhelmed by the support from people in the neighborhood during the viewing. Taylor valued and prioritized his relationships, his sister said, regardless of who the person was.

“The outpouring of support that we’ve been getting from family friends (and) the community has been unreal,” Becca Taylor said.

The family typically had a tradition to vacation in Wildwood — Taylor’s favorite place — as a large group. Family members, friends, and significant others would all come and spend time together, his siblings said.

But as the kids grew older, the family started going to Ocean City, Maryland, instead. The siblings still went with their parents, but they also continued going to Wildwood with their friends.

This past summer, Taylor and his friends went on a trip to Maryland, instead of their typical Jersey Shore trip. He was upset they didn’t choose Wildwood, his sister said, so he and a friend planned a different trip there in October.

And this October, his friends and family are going to Wildwood the weekend of Taylor’s birthday, Oct. 22, in honor of him and to spread some of his ashes.

A couple months ago, he had randomly mentioned to his best friend that he wanted his ashes spread in Wildwood, if something happened, his sister said.

“...and that’s why we’re going for his birthday to celebrate him in his favorite place,” Becca Taylor said, “and to lay him there forever.”

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

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