James William Baylor Jr.

James William Baylor Jr., 72, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at his residence.

He was born July 6, 1947, in Cape Girardeau to the late James William and Ida Mae Fitzgerald Baylor Sr. He and Rebecca “Becky” Welch were married in Cape Girardeau Feb. 11, 1978. 

Jimmy grew up in Cape Girardeau, attending Washington Elementary School and graduating from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1963 in the top 10% of his class. He then went on to Southeast Missouri State College, where he was one semester from graduating when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, he worked for a short time for Jerry Lipps Trucking before embarking on a 35-year career with the City of Cape Girardeau in the Waste Water Division.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and a past member of Veterans of Foreign Wars 3838. Jimmy died peacefully with his remote in his hand.

Loving survivors include his wife of 42 years, Becky Baylor; two daughters, Leslie J. Baylor of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Sara (Sam) Tiehes of Cape Girardeau; son, James William “Tray” (Alishia) Baylor III of Scott City; three brothers, Montie (Shelly) Baylor, William Durham and Bobby Durham.

Also surviving are five grandchildren, Jordon Welker, C.J. and Jacob Simms, Hunter and Alyssa Tiehes, as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Vickie Emmons.

A visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., with Pastor Weston Wildauer officiating. Military honors to follow.

Burial will be at the Missouri Veteran Cemetery in Bloomfield.

The family asked that memorials be given to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.

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