James Edwin Taylor

Surrounded by his family, James Edwin (“Jim”) Taylor left this world in peace for his new home in Heaven on Sunday, September 4, 2022. A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas, with a reception to follow. Everyone wishing to commemorate with us is welcome.

Jim was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. His parents, Madison Taylor and Virginia Leach Taylor, gave Jim an older brother Matt, who was his constant companion as a kid, and close friend throughout their lives. After they played football together in high school, Jimmy (as he will always be known east of the Mississippi) was awarded a scholarship to play football at the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1958, he was co-captain and a starting guard on the legendary, undefeated Southern team that won the Collegiate National Championship. His teammates remained his friends for the rest of their lives, and Jim returned to Southern as an alumnus to reconnect with his friends and to support succeeding generations of players. In 2001, Jim was inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

While attending Southern, he spied a certain rodeo queen and Southern Mississippi co-ed named Shirley Bronson and made her his bride in 1958, a decision which he often said through the years was the best he ever made. Shirley and her family were enthusiastic horse lovers and riders, and Jim became a committed horseman himself, a passion he and Shirley shared throughout their lives together.

The early years of their marriage were filled with the arrival of twin boys and a daughter, Jim’s service in the United States Army and coaching high school football. In 1963, Jim and Shirley moved to Texas, where they continued teaching, but soon decided raising a family and starting their own business were their callings. Jim started several businesses, finding success with Roll Runner of Texas and as sales manager for Harry Hooker Construction Company. He finished his entrepreneurial career as CEO of Energy Blanket of Texas, marketing his and his good friend and business partner’s patented inventions in the fields of insulation and construction, selling one of their many patents to Owens Corning.

While his kids were growing up, Jim was an active parent in the 4-H horse program in Seguin, Texas. When his kids aged out of 4-H, Jim took up the reins for himself. With the help of his son, Ricky, a cutting horse trainer, Jim did very well in non-pro cutting, showing three good horses, Stolen Jewels, Lena’s Toy, and Playin Savage to numerous wins.

In his 70s, Jim became a published novelist with his western drama “West of West.” We would offer unbiased praise for this riveting story, even if we weren’t his family. He also enjoyed writing poetry.

In 2008, Jim and Shirley decided to sell their beloved Taylor Acres ranch in Seguin and move to College Station, Texas to be nearer to family. There, Jim quickly made a new circle of friends who meant so much to him, especially the wise men of his McDonald’s breakfast club and his many friends at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He also advised his pastors on how to improve the services (“play more hymns” and “keep the sermon short”), and patiently coached his teenaged grandkids in driving practice. He could also be seen riding his bike in the neighborhood in his 80s. He truly was a renaissance man of many talents and gifts.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband to Shirley. For 58 years, he was always at her side, and in her later years, he provided tender, unflagging caregiving. Even as his own health began to fail, Jim was friendly, stoic, and accepting. He was a team player to the end.

Jim is survived by his three children Russ (Chris) of Aubrey, Ricky (Martha) of College Station, and Tammy of Woodland Hills, California; grandchildren ShyAnn Laurel, Andrew (Katie Beth) Bruxvoort, Will Taylor, Ellen Bruxvoort, and Philip Bruxvoort, and great-grandchildren Holden, Allie Joy and Bennett Bruxvoort. Jim is also survived by his brother, Matt Taylor, Matt’s wife Mary Ellen, and their children Terri, Jane and Mike, and their families.

We will miss you, Dad, but we will always remember what you taught us: work hard, love your family, keep going, and finish strong.

We extend sincerest gratitude to the staff at Crestview and The Langford Methodist Retirement Communities for their expert care and affection.

Services will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/aldersgate