The Lord brought James Taylor Loden into the world as yet another testimony of His Mercy and Grace. Jim was born to Rev. Ray and Mrs. Ray Loden in Doucette. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons. Later he obtained his Master’s degree in Music Education at Stephen F. Austin. During those college years Jim gave his life to Christ and His service.

Jim taught Choral music at Lamesa High; Lamesa First Methodist; Pasadena High and Park Place Methodist in Houston. In 1961 Jim became Director of Music at Central Methodist in Phoenix, later serving from 1966 to 1995 at Memorial Drive Methodist Church in Houston where he retired.

Jim served on the Texas Conference Board of Diaconal Ministries; Texas Conference Choir Clinic Board of Directors; Texas Choral Directors Association and National Fellowship of Methodist Musicians.

His life was marked by joy, creativity, curiosity, a love for people and music. By faith in Christ and His redemptive work on his behalf, Jim was looking forward to being with His Lord and Savior after a brief bout with cancer.

He is survived by Earlene whom he loved for 63 years; son Mark, wife Lee, granddaughter Ruby of Austin; son Larry, wife Jennifer, grandchildren Alexandria, Nathanael, Elijah and Micah of Georgetown; brother Morris and sister Anna Ruth of Houston.

A service will be held 2pm Saturday, June 9, 2012 First United Methodist Church, 410 E. University Ave., Georgetown, Texas.