James "Jim" Lee Taylor

James “Jim” Taylor passed away on July 28, 2025 at Spencer Hospital. James was born on February 15, 1937 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Glenn and Alice (Verner) Taylor. He grew up on the family farm in Pottawattamie County, west of Oakland, on land purchased by his ancestors in the 1840s. He graduated from Carson High School in 1954.

James was united in marriage to Judith Lane Crowder on September 22, 1957 in Red Oak, Iowa. After living in Omaha for a year, Jim and Judy made their lifelong home in Spencer. Three children were born to the couple: Gregory Lee, Jeffrey Lee, and Julie Lynn.

Jim worked for Tractor Supply Company for 13 years first in Omaha, and then in Spencer, where he opened and managed a new store. He served as a special deputy sheriff in Clay County in the late 1960s. He was a salesman and general contractor of commercial steel buildings for 37 years, until he retired in 2005.

Jim loved listening to country music. A Ford man, he was always interested in cars and trucks. For the past two decades, he owned classic cars (1949 and 1950 V8 Fords). Jim was a self-taught mechanic and gunsmith. He was also interested in politics and current events.

His lifelong hobbies included fishing and hunting. A highlight every year was deer hunting with his dad and brother on the family farm. Jim was an early member and officer of the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club in the 1970s. He often fished locally and went on fishing trips to Minnesota, South Dakota, and Canada.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his four dogs through the years. Jim and Judy’s golden retriever Katie was a therapy dog who visited schools and nursing homes in Spencer.

Jim made Jesus the Lord of his life in 1981 and became a new person in Christ. The family began attending the Assembly of God church. He continued to be an active member for the rest of his life. Jim exemplified practicality, honesty, and perseverance.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Taylor and his wife Norma, sister Lila Scott and her husband Drex, and grandson William Taylor. Survivors include his wife Judy, son Greg of Red Wing, MN; son Jeff and daughter-in-law Shirley of Sioux Center; daughter Julie and son-in-law Kurt Herbrechtsmeyer of Charles City; grandchildren Christopher Taylor of Seattle, WA; Jessica Kite of Council Bluffs; Jane and David Taylor of Sioux Center; and Anna Herbrechtsmeyer of Charles City; and great-granddaughter Scarlett Taylor of Seattle. 

James Lee Taylor was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed by family and friends.