James Taylor, Sr.James Albert Taylor, Sr., a resident of Republic, Missouri since 2001 and previously a long time resident of Harrisonville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017 in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 87. He was born on April 1, 1929 in Oklahoma City, the only son of Virginia (Williams) Taylor and Charles Alan Taylor.Never a patient person, he married his bride of 67 years, Mary Catherine (Wyatt) Taylor on April 23 1950 in Covington, Virginia, having crossed the state line from her home in West Virginia to avoid that state's mandatory three day waiting period after receiving a marriage license.He served with pride and distinction for 24 years in the United States Air Force. He retired in 1972 at the rank of SMSGT, having served multiple tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam and being awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and Bronze Star. Following his military service, he worked as a safety inspector for Shelter Insurance for 18 years, re-retiring in 1990.He is survived by his wife; four children, Sharon Elaine Karroll, Kathy Marie Sears, James Albert Taylor, Jr., and Charles Alan Taylor; his adopted granddaughter, Shelly Walker and their spouses; along with seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.He was a faithful member of Hood United Methodist Church in Republic; the Air Commando Association; and an active volunteer with People Helping People; Meals on Wheels and the Republic Senior Center. He and his wife Mary received the 2010 Community Service Award from the Republic Community Foundation for their commitment to voluntarism.He loved his wife, his family, his country, the Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, a bad pun, and a good laugh.Arrangements are under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home in Republic. A graveside service with full military honors is scheduled for 10 am on Friday June 2nd at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Road in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to People Helping People, 210 North Pine Avenue, Republic, MO 65738.