James "Jim" Russell Tabor

James Russell Tabor passed away January 9, 2023, in Blue Springs, Missouri one week before his 91st birthday. He was born in Wray Colorado on January 16, 1932, to Laura (Curtis) and Harold Tabor. His family farmed, and father served in the state legislature. Harold moved the family to Lamoni, Iowa so that Jim and his 4 siblings could attend Graceland College.

Jim attended Lamoni High School, was on the track, basketball and football teams and was student body president. His education included Graceland University, Kansas University, and banking graduate studies at The University of Washington and The University of Indiana. Subsequently he served on the Graceland Board of Trustees for twelve years.

He met Barbara Jean Fears at Graceland College, and they married on October 16, 1954, in Bernie, Missouri. They lived in Michigan during his service for two years in the Army during the Korean conflict. His military occupational specialty (MOS) was radio operator and radio repair. From there, they moved to Des Moines, Iowa.

Jim spent 35 years in the banking industry, serving as President of the Financial Managers Society of America in 1980 and Senior Vice President at Midland Financial Saving and Loan. After retirement, he was appointed by the governor as Superintendent for the State of Iowa for Savings & Loan Associations.

Jim’s family were devoted members of the Community of Christ. After a lifetime of serving the Community of Christ church in various roles including pastor of three congregations in Des Moines, Jim used his financial skills serving on the Community of Christ World Church Investment Committee for 20 years. After retiring and moving to Blue Springs, Missouri Jim worked full time as a volunteer (six years) for the World Church as Secretary for the Order of Evangelist, he worked closely with Everette Graffeo the Presiding Patriarch.

Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Barbara Jean Tabor, and their Children: Susan Bradford (Kent), Bill Tabor (Koni), Nancy Smith (Terry). They have seven grandchildren: Rachel Tovey (Mark), Kirk Tabor (Kaylee), Rhonda Bradford, Kylie Richards, McKenzie Richards, Kason Tabor, Kami Martin (Eli). They also have four great-grandchildren: Milly Tovey (8), Mason Tovey (5), Kohen Tabor (3), and Krew Tabor (6 months).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Outreach International (outreach-international.org).