In Remembrance Of
Jim Taylor
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.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
Burial: Smithville Memorial Cemetery
Memorial Gifts: Avant Ministries 10000 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64155
Arrangements: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville
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Service Details
10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18th at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville, MO.
Comments & condolences
7 comments
Fred Plastow
Jim and Alma were the first to greet my wife and I at the airport when we first arrived to begin our missionary life. Jim was my boss and counselor for 25 years and was a great friend. We were on the phone together just a few days before he went to be with our Lord. He followed and encouraged my wife Delores and I throughout our ministries. His care of our lives and ministry was a great blessing to my wife and I. He was always ready to help us in our ministries and always encouraged us. I look forward to seeing you soon Jim. The years add up., but eternity is forever.
Abe & Clarice Reddekopp
Jim was a colleague and a friend. He had a key role in the administration of Gospel Missionary Union (Avant). He preceded me as editor of the organization magazine, The Gospel Message. I was a fledgliing tennis player and he was patient and encouraging till I was a worthy opponent.
Jim was faithful in keeping in touch by phone and letters during his retirement years. I admired his commitment to teaching and preaching the Word even when his sight was failing. I’ll miss you Jim. See you on the other side.
Marty Jones
Alma and Jim used to attend a Bible study at Grace Community Church. I met them there. They were such a blessing to me as we studied the Word together. Then after her passing the family published a book Alma had written of their life on the mission field which was a blessing to me too. My condolences to the whole family.
Charlene Bruce
My condolences to the Taylor girls. You had some wonderful parents. Sorry for the loss of your Dad. 🙏
Darrin Dutton
Susan, Diane & I offer our condolences. After reading the obituary, your parents were obviously working diligently for the kingdom. I remember meeting you in 1972, in Mrs. Schmoller’s class and speaking French with the teacher. My God bless you & family during this time.
HILA FOSTER
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE DEATH OF JIM
HE AND ALMA WERE SUCH GREAT FRIENDS WE LOVE
THEM SO MUCH. AFTER ALMA PASS AWAY, WE WOULD
VISIT AT HE GROCERY STORE ABOUT EVERY WEEK.
WHAT A GREAT FAMILY. LOVE YOU. HILA
Randy and Mari Owen
Randy and I offer our condolences.
Susan, Ruth and Alice, you girls were so blessed to have such loving parents. Your dad was a great man.
Our thoughts and prayers for you all in the coming days.
God Bless, ❤️