Our sympathies: Jim Taylor, Professor Emeritus, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
The Ontario Agricultural College extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of James (Jim) Taylor, Professor Emeritus in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD), who passed away on Oct. 2, 2026.
Jim joined the University of Guelph in 1984, where he later served as Director of the School of Landscape Architecture and coordinator of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program before becoming Professor Emeritus in 2005. He continued to teach, conduct research and mentor graduate students following his retirement.
Jim helped shape the landscape architecture profession in Canada and internationally. His work spanned community design, parks and open space planning, environmental assessment and professional practice. At U of G, he contributed to early campus master plans and planning projects for the Arboretum and Cruikston Park Farm. He also authored The Practice of Landscape Architecture in Canada, a widely used resource for students and practitioners.
Beyond the University, Jim served as fellow and president of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation and supported international education and capacity-building initiatives through the International Federation of Landscape Architects, UNESCO and UN-Habitat.
Jim maintained a lifelong connection to rural life and the landscape. He shared his love of travel and the profession with his wife, Cecelia, and found great pleasure in their Smoky Creek Farm.
The OAC community is grateful for Jim’s many contributions to the University of Guelph and the landscape architecture profession. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Cecelia, Jim’s family and all who knew him.