On May 29th JMDC lost an extraordinary volunteer and friend, Joe Taylor. His sudden and unexpected death has left us all a bit stunned and emotional trying to process our loss. Joe has been a part of the JMDC family since 2007. His passion was science in all its exquisite forms. That is how he found his way to JMDC. Sharing his passion for science with youth through JMDC’s Summer Discovery Day Camp and Merit Badge programs.

Joe enjoyed participating in Discovery Day Camp each summer, bringing his “crazy science” experiments to so many JMDC DDC Explorers. Explorers were always wowed by Joe’s Jacob’s Ladder, dry ice experiments, lighting lightbulbs with lemons, and racing solar cars. His stuffed companion Domo, IYKYK, was always there to watch the demonstrations.

Joe’s true passion was the Merit Badge program. He donated many, many hours to the program year-round, always striving to make each Merit Badge program a little better than the last. Thousands of participants over the past 17 years have earned their Nuclear Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or other Science-based Merit Badge from Joe. He worked hard to make each Merit Badge program fun, as well as educational, always with his own twist.

Joe was very proud of his extensive Mammoth Collection. He was always on the lookout for a new addition to his Mammoth Family when prowling swap meets or thrift stores. This was a great source of personal pride and joy. He had entered his collection at local fairs, no awards, but lots of fun.

Joe will be greatly missed by his JMDC family. He will always be remembered for the many young lives he touched with his love of science, and for the passion he had for JMDC and our educational programs.

A ceremony honoring Joe Taylor will be held at a future date.

JMDC Staff