James Lewis Taylor

James Lewis Taylor, son of James Batchler and Dorothy (Johnson) Taylor, was born In Kansas City, Missouri on March 21, 1979. Jimmy, as he was known by his family and friends, grew up in the Kansas City area where he attended Meservey Elementary School, Martin Luther King Jr High School, and graduated from Van Horn High School. On March 23, 2011, Jimmy was united in marriage to Laverne Jackson. They shared over eleven years together before she preceded him in death on November 28, 2022. Jimmy worked in construction for several years with Rising Sun Construction and after moving to the Dixon, Missouri area, he worked for his family’s business, Sweetwater BBQ in St. Robert. In his spare time, Jimmy enjoyed playing a pickup game of basketball with his friends, going fishing, listening to music and anything that had to do with cars. Jimmy had a big heart and enjoyed volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club. He also loved his family dearly and treasured the times that he could spend with them. Jimmy passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 46 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory, his mother: Dorothy Taylor of Waynesville, MO; two children: De’Ja Fowler of Kansas City, MO and DonTerrill Fowler of Kansas City, MO; brother: Paris Taylor of St. Robert, MO; nieces: Nichelle Taylor and Marquedia Taylor; cousins: Joy Williams and Artie Estes; several aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife, Jimmy was preceded in death by his father: James Batchler; sister: Selena Taylor; brother: Angelo Taylor; uncle: David Batchler; and two nephews: Justin Todd and Christopher Lindsey. Even though he is gone from our sight, Jimmy’s spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Darwin Neal officiating. Serving as escorts were Terald Ware, Cortez Ford, Tikko Parrish, Richard Lee Phillips, Jr., Shigeru Batchler, and Paris Taylor. Serving as honorary escorts were Jerry Nevels, Daniel Russel, and Bryan Smith. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Taylor and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

James Lewis Taylor

March 21, 1979 - April 13, 2025