James C. “Jim” Taylor, age 57, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Shepherd Hospice House in Southaven, Mississippi, following a brief illness.
Funeral services honoring Jim’s life, with full military honors, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be private.
Born on June 10, 1969, in Jacksonville, Florida, Jim was the son of Selma Louise Crawford Roberts. At the age of three, he was adopted by the late Dr. Horton G. Taylor, Jr. and the late Jean Barnett Taylor, who welcomed him into their family and loved him dearly.
Jim was a Methodist and a proud 1987 graduate of Ripley High School. During his school years, he was a member of the swim and diving teams and proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Jim knew from an early age that he wanted to be a soldier. Inspired by his highly decorated military father, Dr. Horton G. Taylor, Jr., Jim developed a deep love for his country and a strong sense of pride in serving it. He proudly dedicated twenty years of his life to serving his country, serving as an active-duty soldier with the National Guard and the United States Marine Corps. After twenty years of faithful service, Jim retired, carrying with him a deep sense of pride in his military service and the friendships and memories made along the way. His military service was an important part of who he was, and he remained close to many of his fellow veterans throughout his life. He was especially proud of having served his country, and it is fitting that his life will be honored with military honors at his funeral service.
Jim was a man who found joy in the simple things and never met a stranger. He loved fishing, especially taking trips to the coast with his friends, and he proudly served his community for five years as a volunteer firefighter with the Derma Volunteer Fire Department. He was an avid WWE fan and never missed WrestleMania or Monday Night Raw. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and had a special appreciation for antiques and cars, of which he had many.
Jim was also known for his generous heart. He was the kind of friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether someone needed a favor, a vehicle to borrow, or simply someone they could count on, Jim was there. His willingness to help others was simply part of who he was.
A devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, Jim never missed an opportunity to watch his team play. Yet, more than anything, Jim treasured his family. He loved spending time with both his biological and adopted families and especially cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. His family was a tremendous source of pride and joy, and the memories they made together will be treasured for generations to come.
Jim will be remembered as a proud soldier, a loyal friend, a loving father and grandfather, and a man who was always ready to help those around him. His love for his country, his family, and his friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish Jim’s memory include his three daughters, Lauren Brumley, Heather Taylor, and Janae Taylor; one son, Kurt Taylor (Lisa); his biological mother, Selma Louise Cranford Roberts; two sisters, Renie Taylor Webb (Randy) and Lois Vander Woude; three brothers, Don Steiner-LaRoue, Joe Graves (Lawanda), and Donald Easterling; four beloved grandchildren, Amanda Williams, Michael Williams, Steven Taylor, and Sylas Wayne “Bash” Brumley; one great-grandson, Hudson Cash Bailey; a special niece and nephew to which he had a special relationship with, Victoria Duncan and Brayden Taylor as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Horton G. Taylor, Jr. and Jean Taylor, and one brother, James Stark.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Derma Volunteer Fire Department, the Veterans Affairs, and the compassionate staff of Shepherd Hospice House for the care and support they provided to Jim and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Derma Volunteer Fire Department, the Veterans Affairs, or Shepherd Hospice House.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories and condolences with the Taylor family.
