James Ervin Taber

October 7, 1948 — August 3, 2024

Surrounded by his loving family and close friends, real life began for James Ervin Taber, known affectionately by his friends as Jim, who went home to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, Aug. 3, 2024, at his Perry home.

Jim, 75, was born October 7, 1948, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the son of Betty L. (Boone) Taber and C. J. Taber. He was raised in Perry and is a graduate of the Perry High School Class of 1966. He attended Oklahoma State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1970.

On August 30, 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty S. Harrison, at Calvary Baptist Church in Perry, Oklahoma. He and his wife Betty are parents of one son, James Darin Taber, Garber, and one daughter, Julie Renee (Taber) Oden. He was employed for Taber’s Manufacturing, a family business which he eventually purchased, then later enjoyed helping people as a financial planner. He was a member of the Perry Assembly of God Church where he served as an elder and played guitar and sang with the praise and worship team. His favorite interests were playing guitar, many types of music, running, biking, swimming, camping at Branson, and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents: C. J and Betty Taber; two brothers, Mike Taber and Jake Boone, and a nephew, Chris Boone.

Survivors include his wife Betty of the home; his son James Daren Taber Garber and Kristy Sinclair, Garber, OK; his daughter, Julie Renee (Taber) Oden, Denver, CO; an intimate friend, Steven Gleason; and his special dog, Ronnie; siblings: David Taber and Judi of Oroville, Washington, Larry Taber and Christine of Piedmont, Oklahoma, Cathy (Taber) Scott and Jim of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and sister-in-law Elaine Boone of Rockport, Massachusetts, grandchildren: Katelyn (Taber) Grissom and Andy, Evelyn (Taber) Grana and Jesus Grana and Samantha Taber; and great-grandchildren: Archie, Clark and Asher; and brothers-in-law: Kenneth Harrison and Olivia of Harker Heights, Texas, Paul Harrison and Jan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Joe Harrison of Midland, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Perry Assembly of God Church. Rev. Brett Nation, pastor, and Nick Lamb will officiate. He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Grace Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City.