James Wayne Taylor, of Blue Springs, MO, entered into the grace and love of Jesus on June 4, 2024.

Services will be held at Maywood Baptist Church, 10505 E Winner Rd Independence, MO 64052, on Saturday June 8th. Visitation at 10 am, Celebration of Life Service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, Jim would like donations to be made to City Union Mission, Maywood Baptist Church, or Chandler Baptist Church.

His life was full of adventure and joy, surrounded by his family, and committed to his Savior Jesus. Jim was born May 30, 1956, the son of Lloyd and Vivian Taylor. He grew up in Independence and Raytown, MO. He, his siblings, and cousins were always finding adventures. They rode dirt bikes, skied the Lake of the Ozarks, chased birds with salt shakers, and ate tomatoes straight from his Dad’s garden. He was an Eagle Scout and became the head bagger at JustRite. Saving all of his money, he bought a ’72 Chevelle SS and was ready to race the flats. Jim’s life changed when the new neighbor, Kathi Lynch, snatched his firework sack. The ensuing chase brought Jim face to face with Kathi’s older sister: Veronica (Roni). A different kind of firework lit up their hearts and soon they were dating at 16 and 15. They have been together ever since. That July 2nd, 52 years ago, became Jim’s favorite anniversary. As an adult Jim worked in the printing industry for over thirty years. This job was not for joy, but he worked hard to support his family. He loved his three children. Lots of hours were spent playing catch in the backyard. There were card games and starlight rides in a 5.0 Mustang convertible (oldies on the radio). He found a separate way to connect with each child: baseball cards, Winchell’s donuts, fish aquariums, and trips to Claire’s. As the family expanded to include 7 grandkids, Jim was renamed Pappy. He loved hikes and playgrounds and even waterslides at 66. He was a wonderful story teller; he could turn any moment into an epic tale. The red coffee table became a kingdom for pretend play. Remote controls rose up as heroes and villains. Always for the grandkids’ delight. At the center of Jim’s life was Jesus. As young adults he and Roni recommitted their lives to their Savior. Working the third shift, Jim would come home and sit at the table reading his Bible. Prayer, sharing Jesus, service, and giving were in every moment of his life. His commitment to the Lord was a seed producing a harvest of belief in the family, with children and now grandchildren committed to our Savior Jesus. As they held hands during his last days, Jim said to Roni, “I love you too, don’t forget that.” Jim loved his family and friends. He wanted all of the them to remember.

Jim is survived by his wife, Roni, of 47 years; three children: Sean (Megan) Taylor, Audrey (Justin) Ebbrecht, and Jake (Chrissy) Taylor; seven grandchildren: Ivy, Phoebe, Darcy, Ezekiel, Taran, Samuel, and Sequoia; three siblings: Susan MacDonald, Karil (Lionel) Candelaria, and Tom (Melody) Taylor; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441