Written by James Taylor
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of my father, our JR Group Chairman, Christopher John Frederick Taylor, on Tuesday 22nd November 2022. He died peacefully in Switzerland, at the age of 74, following a period of declining health, due to a life limiting neurological condition diagnosed in 2021. Our family, and all within the JR Group of Companies (James Robinson Fibres, Texfelt, and JR Property & Restorations), are truly devastated by his passing.
Chris was first and foremost a gentleman and a family man; being a husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was also an astute businessman and entrepreneur with an exceptional track record of success.
Chris joined the family business at the age of 16, straight from school, and has remained committed to its growth for the past 58 years. During his early career, he developed a thriving export business for shoddy and textile wastes. He went on to develop James Robinson’s into a major force in polyester and synthetic fibres, expanding in recent years into feathers and down, supplying customers in the upholstery and fillings industry in the UK and overseas. He was extremely proud of the Company’s achievements, and we celebrated its 75th anniversary under the Taylor family ownership, only a year ago.
Chris enjoyed travelling to visit his customers and suppliers, both in the UK and worldwide markets. He developed strong personal friendships and bonds, whilst nurturing healthy and productive business relationships which formed an integral part of building a successful, profitable Company over the years.
Aside from the textile businesses, my father’s passion for building restoration and development, and his love for Yorkshire, saw him grow other successful businesses in both the property and farming industries. He genuinely enjoyed all aspects of his work and took great pleasure and pride in developing businesses and the teams working within them.
We very much appreciate that your kind thoughts and prayers will be with us. My father’s wish was for us to support one particular charity close to his heart, and the family would be very grateful to receive donations in his memory, in lieu of flowers.
Fundraising for WISHH (Working Independently to Support Hull Hospitals)
Yours sincerely
James Taylor
Group Managing Director
