When I heard about the loss of Jim Taylor, a young man that I knew, through my friendship with his parents, I was shocked and saddened. When it was time to include Jim’s symbol in the painting, we discussed his love of horses and decided to create a flying horse, a Pegasus. This turned out to be a wonderful subject for the painting,  because of the dynamic poses that were possible. As an artist, I have always enjoyed working with the musculature of the horse, and the noble appearance of a horse and rider. The painting for the book is different than the dome because I wanted to show a more active pose. The cover art also depicts Jim on his white Pegasus riding toward his fellow cherubs. I completed several studies before deciding on the final pose, which shows Jim charging upward with the heavenly light shining behind, lighting his way. -- Wayne Taylor
 
 

This stained glass window was placed in the Gatliff Chapel on the campus of Cumberland College, Williamsburg, KY, in memory of Jim Taylor, II.  The symbols in the window depict his life.

The '91 tassel and mortar board are reminders that Jim was killed in an automobile accident, May 20, 1991, the day before his high school graduation.

The bee represents his membership in the "Bee Club," a pep club at the Williamsburg High School.

A bat because Jim was a member of the baseball team.

The stirrup, horseshoe and rope that entwine and encompass the window symbolize his love for horses.

A butterfly, which is a universal symbol for remembrance.

 In the Senior Superlatives in his high school yearbook, Jim listed that he belonged to the Muscle Club and the Grape Club.  Neither of these existed, but Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and thought it would be funny to be listed in a "club" in which no one else belonged.  Thus, the arm showing the muscle, and the cluster of grapes were incorporated in the window.

Eliazbeth Kubler-Ross stated:  People are like stained glass windows, they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light within.  Young Jim certainly had a light within.