“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22

James R. Taylor was born September 1, 1952 in Kansas City, MO. to James R. Taylor and Kathleen (Bridges) Taylor. Jim entered Heaven’s gate on May 5, 2024. He grew up loving Boy Scouts, baseball, and swimming. Jim’s dad gave him flying lessons, took him sailing, and later the two enjoyed Saturday fishing trips. His family moved to Manhattan, KS and then to Springfield where Jim attended Pershing Junior High School. After graduating from Glendale High School, Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University. Jim and Mary, (Mapes) Taylor got married June 6, 1975 at Second Baptist Church. That fall, Jim starting working as a claims representative at the local Social Security Administration Office. Two sons were welcomed into the Taylor family, Eric Daniel, and Ryan James. After 20 years of federal service Jim left SSA and continued his career at Southwest Missouri State University, now MSU. Jim held several computer related jobs at the University and retired with emeritus status as the Information Security Officer in 2012. Jim continued working part-time as a consultant for the College of Education until 2021.

Jim and Mary are members of Northside Christian Church in Springfield. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Thursday, May 9 at Greenlawn South Funeral Home. Visitation is at 1pm. Funeral services led by Wayne Bushnell and Ed Holt will follow at 2pm. Music will be provided by Corey Scott and accompanist Helen Myers. A private family burial will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery.

Throughout his life Jim reflected the fruits of the spirit with his unwavering faith and Christian example. He was truly a man of high integrity and will be greatly missed by: his loving wife, Mary, sons, Eric and Ryan, daughters-in-law, Emilee and Brooke, and his precious grandson, Jamie.