James Ottis Taylor, 67, of Austin, Indiana passed away on January 9, 2025, in Austin, Indiana. He was born on May 27, 1957, in Columbus, Indiana, to the late Gerald Taylor and Nilah Jean (Smith) Taylor/Streeval. James dedicated his skills and time to the H.O.M.E Co-op, serving in a meaningful role at a homeless shelter in Maine for over ten years. He also served in the Indiana National Guard for ten years. Throughout his life, James found joy in the simple pleasures of nature and outdoors, especially fishing and hiking. James loved anything with wolves and usually was wearing a shirt or hat with wolves. James loved his family and treasured time with them. In addition to his parents and stepparents Calvin Streeval and Mae Taylor, James is preceded in death by one son, Joe Taylor; one grandson, Thomas; and his life partner, Debbie. James is survived by two sons, James (Kenya) Taylor and Gerald (Nikki) Stout; one daughter, Rachel Stout; seven sisters, Kathy, Rae Jean, Jeannette, Jaylan, Janice, Judy, and Charlotta; seven grandchildren, Josiah, Abigail, Lydia, Sarah, Samuel, Jackson, and Aryanna; and one great granddaughter, Aven. Funeral service for James Taylor will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 11:00am at Collins Funeral Home in Scottsburg, Indiana. Visitation will be prior to the service Tuesday, starting at 10:00am at the funeral home. Cremation was entrusted to Collins Funeral Home following the service on Tuesday. Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.collinsfuneralhome.net.