James K. Taylor

James K. Taylor, 76, of Springfield, died at 7:38 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018 at his home. James was born November 16, 1941 in Springfield, the son of Kenneth Wayne and Nora Frances Guthals Taylor. He married Rose Marie Stieren on August 18, 1962 in Farmersville, IL. James earned his bachelors degree from the University of Illinois in Engineering and his masters degree from Bradley University. He was employed as a facility engineer with Caterpillar until his retirement in 2003, after 37 years of service. James was an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed playing golf and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Douglas Taylor; grandson, Owen Michael Taylor; and son-in-law, Mark Roberg. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Taylor of Springfield; sons, Michael James (wife, Amy) Taylor and Mark Allen (wife, Joelyn) Taylor, both of Springfield; daughters, Donna Marie Taylor of Los Angeles, CA and Dianna R. (husband, Jody Summers) White of Peoria; grandchildren, William (wife, Mirriah) Roberg, Stephanie (husband, Tom) Elder, Jacob White, Katie White, Collin Taylor, John Taylor, Brett Taylor, and Ryan Taylor; one great-granddaughter, Avery Damron of Peoria; and sister, Sharon (husband, Bob) Oitker of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield with Rev. Joseph Ring, celebrant. Private family burial will be at St. Martins Cemetery in Farmersville. Memorial contributions may be made to: SIU Foundation Center for Alzheimers Disease Intervention Programs, P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794-9666. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at The Arbors for all their care, personal attention, and patience.