James 'Jim' Michael Taylor

James ‘Jim’ Michael Taylor passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on May 12, 2023, at the age of 79.

Jim was born on February 4, 1944, in Orange, Texas, to Willie ‘Bill’ Clarence Taylor and Reba Berniece (Cheek) Taylor.  He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up with older sisters Lana and Shirley.

In his early years, Jim attended Oklahoma State University for one year before realizing the mistakes of his ways and becoming a dedicated fan of the University of Oklahoma Sooners.  After college, Jim moved to Colorado to work for the railroad.  He later returned to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he married Sharon Atkins on July 2, 1964.  Together, they welcomed their daughter, Kristin, on October 17, 1966. Jim began working for Southwestern Bell in 1966, where he eventually met Connie.  Jim and Connie married on December 22, 1972.  They adopted their daughter Lindsey on March 21, 1984.  Jim and Connie welcomed their son, Michael, on June 30, 1990.

Jim began working for AT&T in 1987, and later for Lucent Technologies in 1993.  Jim retired from Lucent Technologies in 1998.  In retirement, Jim became an avid golfer, rarely missing a day.  He was known for his competitive spirit and his love of the game.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Berniece Taylor; his sister, Lana Carter; his brother-in-law, Kenneth Carter; his brother-in-law, Jerry James; his sister-in-law, Julie Bode; his brother-in-law, Mark Bode; brother-in-law, Lonnie Foster; his nephew, Brad Durham; his first wife, Sharon Atkins; and his daughter, Lindsey Taylor.

Jim is survived by his wife, Connie Taylor; his daughter, Kristin Baumann and her husband Tom; his son, Michael Taylor and his wife Samantha; his sister, Shirley James; his brother-in-law, Joe Foster and his wife Starla; his grandchildren, Tyler Baumann, Connor Baumann and his wife Tylor, Trey Baumann, and Stetson Taylor; his nieces and nephews, Rodney James and his wife Dana, Bryan James and his wife Rachel, Scott Durham and his wife Sonia, Joseph Bode, Markie Schrader and her husband Josh, Megan Foster, Paige Foster; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jim will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his witty jokes and his passions for golf, football, and everything Oklahoma Sooners.  If you listen closely, you will hear him yelling BOOMER SOONER from Heaven.  He is loved by many and will be dearly missed.