JIM TAICLET, LOCAL 154
Jim Taiclet, Local 154, fourth from left (standing).
You would be hard-pressed to find a more proud Boilermaker than my Dad, Jim Taiclet. He was a member of local 154 in Pittsburgh for 40 years. He tells anyone who will listen — and I mean anyone — how much he loved being a Boilermaker and that if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.
He recalls every job he was ever on, who was in the “gang,” what tools were used, what other trades were on the job, how many hours they worked, what kind of car they drove to the job and how fast they drove to get to there. His stories are amazing and filled with unbelievable details, starting from the time his stepdad, Chas Glagola, took him to his first job, to working on the highest stack at the time, to becoming superintendent and working at massive power plants.
He remembers everyone who ever gave him a chance and how thankful he was for the opportunity, and made sure they never regretted recommending him. He did whatever it took to get the job done right and on time. He was a great example of work ethic, which directly contributed to mine and my brothers’ own success.
Then there were the famous Boilermaker picnics and Christmas parties. For me as a kid, they were epic and the highlight of every year. Everyone came. My dad and his friends were so cool, like their own Rat Pack, with cool nicknames like “Ironhead.” The adults all played games for amazing prizes, while the kids rode unlimited rides. The food was great, and every kid went home tired and with tons of toys.
His work took him to many towns and eventually to Page, Arizona, which influenced my parents to move to Glendale Arizona, where they retired and spent over 20 happy years. They currently live near me in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where he enjoys playing golf (had his 1st hole in one last year), reading, spending time with my mother and of course telling Boilermaker stories.