James Walter Taylor, 96, of Smithville, MO and currently residing in Oklahoma City, OK passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
He was born on October 17, 1929, in Montgomery, AL to Lewis Taylor and Alma Moody Taylor Sego. The family made their home in Tuskegee, AL early in Jim’s childhood and that is where he spent all his elementary and high school years. He went to the University of Alabama right out of high school and transferred to Auburn University after one year. While at Auburn University, Jim was led to a personal relationship with Jesus by his roommate and joined a campus Bible study. He then transferred to Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, AL where he met his beloved wife, Alma Adams. They both felt called to full time ministry and were married on June 8, 1952, in Orlando, FL. After their marriage, they served as missionaries with Gospel Missionary Union in North Africa and Switzerland. In 1972, they moved to Smithville, MO, where Jim took a leadership role at the GMU Headquarters (now Avant Ministries).
Jim continued his leadership ministry at Avant and served as an Elder at Emmanuel Bible Church. After retirement, Jim and Alma served as ambassadors for the mission.
Jim was preceded in death by Alma his wife of 60 years, parents, and brother, Lewis.
He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Kildow, Ruth Slife and her husband Russell Slife, and Alice Gordon and her husband Tod Gordon; grandchildren, Tyler (Erica), Brice (Meridith), Toni, Vance, Breanne, Luke (Aly), Taylor and partner Ashley, and Whitney (Ace); eleven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and other family and friends.
The family will have a private graveside burial service on April 24, 2026, and a public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Burial: Smithville Memorial Cemetery
Memorial Gifts: Avant Ministries 10000 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155
Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.
