Someone ought to let the folks at ABC know that the next Bachelor has been found. He's sharp, he's funny and he works in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Library.

But Jamie Taylor doesn't just have a great sense of humor; this extraordinary young man is also humble and devoted.

"I call him my live-in Nephi," said Jamie's mother, Terri Taylor. "Jamie is incredibly spiritual. His major focus is doing what the Lord wants him to do."

In his 22 years, Jamie has lived a life worth envying. The British Columbia, Vancouver native has already completed a two-year service mission, enjoys skiing and swimming and has traveled to exotic locations, such as Aruba, Barbados, Cancun and Hawaii.

With such an impressive resume, you'd have a hard time believing that Jamie has Down syndrome.

"We really don't think about it," said Terri of her son's disability, "Only when someone calls attention to it."

Taylor's achievements show that the word "disabled" isn't in his vocabulary. As a student at Timpview High School, Jamie participated on the student council, managed the basketball team and was the runner-up in the Mr. "T" competition in 1999.

After graduation, Jamie's Stake President called him to serve a two-year mission at the BYU Museum of Fine Art.

"I was just overwhelmed," Jamie said of receiving his call, "and I was amazed at how much it would mean to the Lord."

Jamie said his favorite missionary experience was working with the children who came to see the Empire of the Sultans' exhibit.

"I could see the school kids and help them out with whatever they needed," said Jamie. "They were a little wild, but they were fun."

When asked if he was a little wild, also, Jamie said, "Only when I drink chocolate milk."

In addition to helping young students, Jamie's duties at the museum included taking tickets and organizing artwork.

"They had me alphabetize by the artist," Jamie said. "I've done Mahonri Young, Beauchamp and Carl Bloch paintings. I would do it by the last name and I would do it by order."

Like any mission, Jamie confronted hardship.

"It was good," he said. "It was hard also because I had to wear a tie, and I don't like ties."

Although his mission ended in June, Jamie's days of service are far from ending. Since his release, Jamie continued working at the museum, this time as a volunteer. And last week, Jamie started volunteering his time in the L. Tom Perry Special Collections library.

"He's a good worker," said Administrative Assistant Susan Corrigan. "When he knows what to do, he just does it. He's very dependable."

"He thought he was supposed to wear a suit to work," Corrigan said. "So he came in that first day in a suit. We knew from talking to him that he really didn't want to wear a suit, he had to. He'd rather wear more comfortable clothes."

Since learning that ties are optional at work, Jamie has enjoyed his experience in Special Collections. In the few days since he started, Jamie has already completed jobs sorting labels, editing microfilm and shelf reading (making sure everything is in the right place).

Josh Campbell, a sophomore from Salt Lake, majoring in English, supervises Jamie's work at the library.

"He's very sharp," Campbell said of Jamie. "He picks up on things really fast."

Campbell's appreciation of Jamie is mutual.

"He explains things to me in detail, then I do those things," Jamie said. "Then he just looks at the work I've done for him, and he enjoys how much I have improved since I have been here. I've become attached to him. But of course, he does have a wife, so I won't get that attached."

When asked how long he planned to volunteer at the library, Jamie said: "Until my parents kick me out. I'm just going to wait for the Lord's time. Whenever the Lord wants me to be done, I will finish then. It's really up to the Lord. In his own due time, he will let me know when its time to go."

When Jamie isn't volunteering, he enjoys surfing the Web and watching Lizze McGuire on the Disney Channel. Why Lizzie McGuire?

"Because she's the happy-go-lucky sister that I've always wanted," Jamie said.

Jamie also enjoys reading. In fact, he has the entire hymnal memorized. Do you know what hymn 57 is? Jamie does. Just ask him, and he will also tell you what pages "Called to Serve," "Sweet is the Work" and "While of These Emblems We Partake" are on.

Jamie is an avid Book of Mormon reader. His mother, Terri, said most nights she has to make him turn the light and go to bed.

And like most guys his age, Jamie is a devout sports fan. Although his favorite team is the Utah Jazz, Jamie also cheers for the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Because Karl Malone plays for them," Jamie explained.

Jamie's best friend is his father, Frank Taylor, who affectionately refers to his son as his "best buddy" and "golf caddie."

Frank said one of the main reasons his family moved from British Columbia to Orem, was so Jamie could enjoy more opportunities to learn and grow.

"We believed that this area would be a positive element." Jack said.

Both Mr. And Mrs. Taylor said having Jamie in their home has enriched their lives, and they invited others to reach out to handicapped individuals.

"Take the opportunity to know these special people," Frank invited. "They are amazing spirits, and too often people don't take the time to know them."

Jamie doesn't have any long-term plans, but he knows that the Lord will bless him for his good works.

"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings," said Jamie, "you are in the service of your God. I enjoy serving. If I continue to serve, then I am serving God, my Father."

As Terri pointed out, no story about Jamie would be complete without mentioning his love for macaroni and cheese.

"He eats macaroni seven days a week, 365 days a year," Terry said. "I call him my 'Macaroni Kid.'"

On Thursday morning, Jamie arrived in Special Collections, and in a very formal, businesslike manner, he made an important announcement.

"Monday morning, front page, everyone look for it."

Looks like its about time for Bachelor Bob to move over.



Copyright Brigham Young University 13 Oct 2003