James M. Taylor

James M. Taylor, 86, of Livingston, MT, passed away on August 15, 2025. Born at Livingston Park Hospital on October 29, 1938 to Jack and Doris Taylor. He attended Cowan School for 9 years and attended high school at Clyde Park High and graduated in 1957.

He was raised on the family ranch, a true cowboy. He grew up with a love for ranching, horses, and the simple joys of life. Whether he was working cattle, riding a horse, or brand inspecting, he carried with him a quiet strength.

Anyone who knew him will remember his unforgettable laugh, the kind that filled a room and made everyone smile. When he told a story, you knew you were in for a ride. The facts might have been stretched a little here and there, but the laughter that followed was always real. Jim was more than just a cowboy—he was a loyal friend, a steady hand, and a source of laughter and wisdom. He cherished time spent with his family and friends and leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, kindness, and joy that will be carried on in the memories and stories we’ll keep telling — probably with a few extra embellishments, just the way he would have liked. His spirit will forever ride alongside everyone who knew him.

Jim is survived by his children, Janet (Martin) Davis of Livingston, MT, Jim (Becky) of Pendleton, Oregon, John Taylor of Livingston. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren – Taylor (Sophia) Davis, Ella and Hunter of Springdale, MT; Julee (Nick) Ramljak, Cooper and McKenna of Livingston; David Taylor of Bozeman and Shelby (John Hargrove) Taylor, L J & Kalynn of Bozeman, MT. Sisters: Irene Croston and Judy Taylor and their families.

He was welcomed home in heaven by his beautiful wife Roxanna Cooper Taylor, his Dad and Mother, Jack and Doris Taylor, his brother Donovan Taylor, his daughter in law Debbie Taylor, and many great friends.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Livingston Christian Center. Interment will immediately follow at Rock Creek Cemetery in Clyde Park with military honors performed by American Legion Post 23 and VFW post 2154. A reception will follow at the Shields Valley Community Center in Clyde Park. Friends and family are invited to gather and share stories of the cowboy we were blessed to know and love.

To send a floral arrangement from our local florist, please contact Paradise Flowers of Livingston at 406-333-2247 or www.paradiseflowersmt.com.

To leave a condolence, please visit below. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home has been honored to care for Jim and his family.