James Taylor

James Kirby Taylor

1940 – 2023

James Kirby Taylor passed from this world on Friday morning, June 30, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sharon K. Taylor, and one sister, Margie Perkins of Kenly, North Carolina. Eleven nieces and nephews, 2 children; Jeffrey Taylor of Center Point, Iowa, and Renee Taylor.

James was preceded in death by his father Granger Taylor, mother Annie Tedder Taylor, and four siblings: Hilda Gray Taylor, Eva Mae Taylor, Royster Bryant Taylor, and Bobby Ray Taylor, and seven grandchildren.

James served in the Navy from January 24, 1962, until he was honorably discharged on January 23, 1968. His service included the rank of Storekeeper 3^rd class on the USS McCormick out of San Francisco, CA. the McCormick was a destroyer for the USS Ranger in Vietnam. His tour was extended during which time he was aboard the USS Prairie.

James’ Storekeeper status allowed him to set up a business in Shenyville, Iowa with his own store. Later he worked the docks at Dominion. From the dock work, he decided to go on the road driving. After working for dominion, he obtained work at JRRW Transport as a driver. James drove for them for 25 years and his claim to fame was Driver of the year five years in a row. He received plaques and a belt buckle as awards for his driving.

Sharon and James met in Oklahoma when he was on a dedicated run. They married in 2000. They have had homes in Arkansas, Iowa, and Texas. James was baptized in 2001 by George Richmond of Edmond, Oklahoma. George and Lula Richmond were instrumental in his conversion to the Lord.

They settled in the Rio Grande Valley at a South Texas RV Resort. Lots of good memories from fishing in the bay, to boat rides to the Port O’ Brownsville. James liked watching the ships come in. They were brought into the port and dismantled. James and Sharon had the honor of attending the ceremonies when the Ranger and the Prairie were dismantled. It was a special time for him. He will be missed by those in the park as he was Jim “The Pool Man” Taylor, best pool man ever.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2023 at Matthews Funeral Home with the family will be present from 5:00 – 7:00.

Services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Matthews Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Little Cemetery in Little, Oklahoma, 11522 OK-99, Seminole, OK 74868.