James "Scooter" Taylor, age 94, of Justin, Texas, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 20, 1931, in Justin, Texas, to Henry Bascum and Ola Catherine (Selby) Taylor. James grew up in Justin and graduated from Justin High School.

He joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where he worked his way to Staff Sergeant. He served as a supply sergeant by day and a bartender by night. Following his military service, he became a farmer and cattle rancher. As his family grew, he began working full time as the parts manager at Barrett's Farm Equipment while continuing to farm. After Barrett's closed, James took the Civil Service exam and began a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a Rural Route Mail Carrier, a position he held until his retirement.

On January 2, 1962, James married Margie Harley. Together they shared 63 years of love, family, and adventure. He was a devoted father who was always involved in his children's activities, including Girl Scouts, softball, and basketball. He later continued that support with his grandchildren, attending countless basketball, baseball, and football games, as well as FFA and Boy Scout events.

James was an active member of Justin Methodist Church, where he received the Heritage Award for over 70 years of service, dedication, and leadership on various committees. He also served his community as President of the Justin Cemetery Association for 28 years.

In his free time, James enjoyed fishing and hunting.

James is survived by his wife, Margie of Justin; his daughters, Tammy Browning and Trudy Crawford and husband Charley, all of Justin; and his stepdaughter, Lanette Gantz (Yogi) of Argyle. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Taylor Crawford (Candace), Nicole Matlock (Jono), Patrick Crawford (Destine), Cody, Tiffany, Ashley, Samantha, and Jake Taylor; and Gary, Bradley, and Andy Williams. His great-grandchildren include Gunner, Flint, Ember, Lane, Shepherd, and Wren Crawford, and James Cole and Harley Matlock. He is also survived by his sister, Ola Mae Tabor of Plano, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Homer, Douglas, Kenneth, and Charles; and his sisters, Betty Jo Bartlett and Catherine Armstrong.

Visitation will be December 5th, 2025 from 5:00-7:00. A funeral service will be held on December 6,2025 at 2:00 at Deberry Funeral Home in Denton. Burial will take place at the Justin Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers will be Taylor Crawford, Patrick Crawford, Jono Matlock, Bill Tabor, Bob Tabor and Bradley Williams.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Gunner Crawford, James Cole Matlock, Lane Crawford, Shepherd Crawford and Flint Crawford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Justin Fire Department, P.O. Box 613, Justin, Texas 76247.