James Michael Taylor

James Michael Taylor met his Lord and Savior face-to-face on October 16, 2016 at the age of 27. What we only know in part this side of eternity, James Michael now knows in full (1 Corinthians 13:12). James Michael was born in Oklahoma City on July 27, 1989 to his devoted parents, Mike and Jamie Taylor. He was adored by two older sisters, Jessica and Natalie, to whom he was both loyal protector and enthusiastic supporter. Mike and Jamie raised their family in Oklahoma City where James Michael grew up. He attended Nichols Hills Elementary and graduated from Heritage Hall in 2007. James Michael attended Colorado State University, taking one year away studying abroad at Franklin University in Lugano, Switzerland. He later returned back to his roots and close to family in Oklahoma City, where he accepted a job at Chesapeake. For the past two years he has worked in finance for Global Security Corporation.

James Michael was a fiercely loyal friend. He made new and dear friends in every chapter of life and yet still maintained close friendships with childhood peers. He was a humble leader, never asking anyone to follow. Yet with James Michael's authentic personality, people wanted to follow. He had a gift for making others feel known and like they had a place. A man's passion can be seen in the things he gives his heart and time to. James Michael was what you would describe as an “adventure capitalist”, having travelled so many places in such a short span of time. Among his recent adventures were exploring at the family cabin in Canada, camping in Chile, fishing in Alaska, and fulfilling a childhood dream with his father of cheering on his favorite soccer team, Manchester United. A natural born athlete, James Michael always sought new athletic endeavors-snowboarding, cycling, soccer and outdoor climbing/hiking among his favorites. James Michael loved adventure.

James Michael is survived by his devoted parents, Mike and Jamie, his older sister and brother-in-law Jessie and Brian Garoutte, his older sister Natalie Taylor, and an adoring niece Ellie Garoutte. He is also survived by three grandparents, Jim and Margaret West, Clark Taylor and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. James Michael was greeted in heaven by his grandmother, Jane Taylor, and his favorite golden retriever “Blue”.

A Celebration of James Michael's life will be held on Thursday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church. James Michaels passions were vast and intense. The Taylor family requests that any donations be made in James Michael's honor wherever your passions lie. Our earthly loss is certainly heaven's gain. With our hope secure in Christ Jesus, we look forward to seeing James Michael again and sharing in the freedom that he now experiences as a reality.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.