James Taylor

MORLEY, Mo. — James Taylor, son of the late Colie B. and Hazel Hensley Taylor, was born July 14, 1949, in Pyletown, Missouri, and departed his life Friday, Oct. 14, 2022 at his home in Morley at the age of 73.

He was a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in active duty in the Vietnam War. A former service manager for Bud Shell Ford in Dexter, Missouri, Sikeston Motors in Sikeston, Missouri, and Auffenberg John Deere. James was of the Baptist faith. He was an avid musician, song writer and entertainer. James inspired several family members and friends to become musicians.

On Sept. 27, 2009, he was united in marriage to Marvalene Whorton. She survives of the home in Morley.

Besides his wife, survivors include one son, Chris (Amy) Taylor of Scurry, Texas; daughter, Dawn Haley of Wylie, Texas; two grandchildren, Astin (Tyler) Hancock and Taylor Chrissie Haley; great-granddaughter, Mia Hancock; two brothers, Colie (Donna) Taylor Jr. and Kenneth (Peggy) Taylor, both of Morley; sister, Teresa (Randy) Conn of Delta; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Clinton and Keith Taylor; and two sisters, Roxanna Boley and Lesa Reeves.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Morley Baptist Church.

Memorial service will then take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the church. Interment will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Foundation for Research for Alexander Disease, P.O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.