James G. Taylor

Taylor, James G., 87 passed into the loving arms of his Lord, Sunday, December 16, 2012, as the sun began to rise. Jim lived a full, active life in which he made many friends. He was born April 4, 1925, in Wichita, KS, where he lived his entire life. Jim was a master auto mechanic, working more than 50 years at Cowie Electric in downtown Wichita. He continued to work part-time well into his 80’s, a testament to his strong work ethic. Jim told his sons, “No one owes you anything, if you want something, work for it.” Jim, with his wirey frame and wavey black hair, could seem gruff and cranky at first. But it took only a few minutes to realize he was really a kind, soft-hearted soul who would do anything he could to help others. Every year, weeks before Christmas, Jim would be away from home almost every evening. It was years before his sons learned he took a part-time job working on a fleet of delivery trucks for a local company, so there could be plenty of presents under the tree Christmas morning. It was that kind of selfless, caring gesture which was a foundation of his life. He was also a bit of a daredevil. He earned his pilot’s license in 1948 and raced go-karts, once clocked at 90 mph. Jim served in the United States Army during WWII, driving tanks, much of the time while stationed in Nome, Alaska. Jim loved to fish, spending many summers with family at the lake. Many summers ended with a huge back yard fish fry with Jim cooking and family gathered around. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Taylor; sons Mike (Molly), Kansas City; Kent of Wichita; John (Kristine), Alamosa, CO; grandchildren Dr. Aaron Chambers, West Chester, PA; Ashle Ashley, Wichita, Kate Taylor, Alamosa, CO; and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation with family present 6pm-8pm, Thurs. Dec. 20 at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary.

Funeral Service 10am, Fri. Dec. 21 at Dawson United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial to Dawson United Methodist Church, 2741 Laura, Wichita, KS 67216.