1936 – 2022
James Elbert Taylor, Jr., son of James Elbert Taylor, Sr. and Lucy S. (McNatt) Taylor, was born April 25, 1936, in Sikeston, Missouri. He passed away on July 31, 2022, in Columbia, Missouri. He was 86 years old.
James married Barbara Eubanks on September 5, 1956. They got married while still in high school and were happily married for over 65 years.
James served in the army from 1958 to 1960 as part of the 2nd Armored Division. Most of his service took place in Germany as a head mechanic working on tanks and large trucks during the building of the Berlin Wall.
The Church of God (Seventh Day) was the Taylors’ church for all James’ married life. He was the head elder of the Marion, Iowa church, helping the pastor and leading the church when there was no pastor. In 1985 he and Barbara were instrumental in helping found the Springfield CoG7. In 1993 James became the pastor of the church, serving for 18 years. He was always referred to affectionately as Pastor T.
In addition to being a pastor, James was a machinist. He worked in job shops, both in Iowa and Missouri, and could fix just about anything. He received a machinist certification from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and excelled in math.
One of James’ hobbies was singing, which he often did for church. He would always joke that he was James Taylor, the singer.
James loved to play golf with his sons, admitting that he wasn’t real good, but he loved being with his sons. He loved westerns, especially John Wayne, rooting for the Cardinals, listening to gospel music and reading history. He took his family on vacation every year, which provided a volume of great stories.
James was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers Tom Taylor, Leon Taylor, and Billy Jo Davis; three sisters, Virginia Pawlings, Mona Mumford, and Betty Souza. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter Debbie Taylor Hassen (Andy); son Timothy Taylor (Marchelle); and son Mark Taylor; his sister Elizabeth Taylor of St. James, Missouri; one brother Sammy Taylor (Martha); and by eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.