James Allen Taber

Ava, MO

James Allen Taber, 75 years, passed to heaven on September 5, 2010 at the Heart of the Ozarks Center, Ava, MO.

James was born December 10, 1934 in Rome, MO in Douglas County to Boise and Dessie (Frye) Taber. He graduated from Ava High School.

James was employed as an over the road truck driver. James & Betty Burton were united in marriage in 1973. He was an Army veteran and served during the Korean Conflict. James loved playing pitch at the Ava Senior Citizens, watching NASCAR, driving big rigs, and working for the children at the Shriner's Hospital, he really had a giving spirit equaled by none.


He was a Baptist and a member of the Sandy Church. He was also a member of the Ava Masonic Lodge and a Shriner.


James was preceded by his parents Boise and Dessie Frye Taber.

James is survived by his brothers Lonnie Taber of Ava, and Roy and wife Susan of Fair Grove, two sisters Lisa and her husband James Rentfro of Aurora and Barbara Murray of Arkansas and a step brother Russell Selvidge of Washington state. James is also survived by several cousins, including Bob Siler, who James called his, "brother" and many other friends and relatives.


Funeral services for James will be Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., September 8, 2010, at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with Masonic Services and burial following in the Sherrodd Cemetery in Taney County near Brownbranch with full military honors by Ava American Legion #112 and VFW #5993. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Rev. Sue Clayton and Rev. Frances Humbyrd. Memorials may be made to Shiners Children's Hospital or Sherrodd Cemetery.