James L. Tait

James L. Tait of Grottoes, VA passed away at 91 years of age on July 14, 2014. He was born on July 11, 1923 in Brooklyn Village, Ohio.

He attended Strongsville Schools and was class President in his senior year.

He is survived by his wife Joan, with whom he was married 64 years, daughter, Melanie J. Clem of Stuarts Draft, VA, son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Annie Tait of Grottoes, VA, and a special person in his life, William Hunter McCray of Crimora, VA.

Upon graduation he served his country in WWII in the Asian Pacific Theater with Army combat in the Philippines and later going into Japan with the first occupational troops with General McArthur. Returning home to Ohio he worked on numerous purebred Angus farms in Ohio and Virginia. In 1953, he and his wife decided to start milking twelve Holstein cows. Thus, the start of Gloryland Holsteins which later moved to Virginia in 1977. While in Ohio, he enjoyed serving on the Medina County Fair Board as director and President of the Board.

Once moving to Virginia he became the State Holstein Show Chairman and was Co-Chairman for the National Holstein Convention in Norfolk, Virginia. He had a deep love for the Registered Holstein cow and the breeders who owned them. He treated everyone with compassion and lived his life trying to help others. He truly loved living in Virginia and especially his last 24 years near New Hope. In his later years, macular degeneration, had taken a toll on his eyesight. He was unable to attend shows and activities he dearly loved. He always enjoyed listening about the cows and numerous visitors that visited the farm from around the world.

He will be buried at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at Seville, Ohio in Medina County. We are honoring his wishes to be cremated and no memorial service.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyweyerscave.com.