Jim Taylor

Obituary

Jim was born in Nevada, MO, in 1943, to Ethel and L D Taylor. He was their 4 th child, and only son, and he had 3 older sisters, Lee, Bonnie and Ruth. Raised on a farm near Tiffin, MO, Jim learned the importance of working hard, that your word and a handshake defined your character, and these helped shape his life. Jim attended a one-room schoolhouse (Glendale) for grades 1-6, and then attended the El Dorado Springs School grades 7-12, graduating in 1961. This is where Jim met Susie, starting as friends, and a wink changed everything. Jim married Susie May in 1962. He worked in Kansas City in the wholesale building supply industry, and later attended Stephenson’s Electrical and Air-Conditioning School. The family moved to Florida where Jim worked in that trade. Life’s journey later took them to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they still have treasured friends.

Jim loved going to the lake, water-skiing, and going deer hunting with his father-in-law, Jim May. Fascinated with the Colorado Mountains, this quickly became his favorite place to vacation. You could find him in his cowboy boots and Stetson, watching the PBR. Jim and Susie loved dancing, starting at Teen Town, going to the Lake at Nevada, and continuing with square dancing after they were married. Jim loved being a father, so proud of his daughters’ achievements. He never missed any of their activities; cheering them on at every sporting and musical event, watching them graduate college and raising families of their own.

Jim passed away on October 26, 2026. He is survived by the love of his life, Susie; daughters Jamie (Lambert), and Gina (Brett), grandchildren Dakota (Paige), Noah and Lauren. He adored his grandchildren and they adored him. Also survived by his sister Ruth Woody, and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and L D Taylor; his in-laws Jim and Pauline May; his sister Lee and husband Jim Moore; his sister Bonnie and husband Dwain Witt, and brothers-in-law Everett Woody and Carter May.
Jim’s family invites you to join them at the El Dorado Springs Civic Center on
November 14, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 pm.

Cremation handled by Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri, with no graveside services.

Jim, Papa as his grandchildren called him, will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

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