James M. “Jim” Taylor, of Lafayette, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2026, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois, November 27, 1944, the son of Doyle and Mae Taylor. He married Nancy Wettschurack on August 9, 1969, and she survives.
Jim was raised in Buck Creek, Indiana, graduating from East Tipp High School in 1962, a proud member of their Tippecanoe County Basketball Championship team. Former Administrator, Mr. Bob Lennen described Taylor as the finest young man he ever taught. After 1 year at Butler, Jim attended and graduated from Indiana State University in 1967. He became a teacher of Math while earning his master’s degree from Purdue University in 1973. He taught and coached at Wainwright, McCutcheon, then to Sunnyside, retiring from Lafayette Jefferson after 35 years. Jim was a gifted handyman, in retirement he painted in the Purdue Athletic Department, and in homes of his loyal customers in Lafayette. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends in the Mulberry Summer League, and mowing his beautiful property with his wife Nancy, or playing cards with friends.
Along with his wife of 56 years, Jim is survived by their daughter, Amy Clawson; son-in-law Matt Clawson; two grandchildren, Nolan and Taylor, his pride and joy; and his stepsister, Diane Forville.
He was pre-deceased by his parents; stepmother, Mary Margaret Taylor; sister, Jody Buckley; and half-brother, Nick Taylor.
Memorial visitation will be held Monday, May 27, 2026, from 11am until the sharing of memories at 12:30pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Mulberry Chapel. A private family burial will be held at a later date at Fair Haven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the Clinton County Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.