Mostly Cloudy, 61° F
(April 26, 1955 - Feb. 6, 2012)
Jeffrey Jameson Taggart died Monday, Feb. 6. He was 56.
Jeff was born April 26, 1955 in Powell to Hal Snell and Phyllis Jameson Taggart.
He was welcomed by his older brother, Greg, and later became a big brother (in more ways than one) to Colette, Chris and Megan. From starring as Tevye in the high school production of “Fiddler on the Roof” to playing football, he was very involved in many activities. After graduating from Powell High School, Jeff attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, where he played football. He was then called to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. Jeff loved the Chilean culture, people and the Spanish language and often spoke of how his decision to serve a mission impacted his life in many wonderful ways.
Upon returning from Chile, Jeff played football at Brigham Young University. He met the love of his life, Shan Moss, at school and was married in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on July 1, 1978. They welcomed their first child, Jessica, a year later. Jeff followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and moved to Billings to sell life insurance. In Billings, Jeff and Shan welcomed their baby boy, Alexander.
When his father became ill, Jeff and his family moved to Cody to be closer and help take care of his mother. He loved the Big Horn Basin and was proud of his family’s heritage there; he felt grateful to be home in Wyoming. He and his brothers carried on the family tradition in the insurance business and formed Taggart Company in Cody.
Jeff’s love for the insurance business led him to run for offices at the local, state, and national level of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). In 2007, he was elected president of NAIFA. He loved what he did for a living and felt privileged to comfort others as they faced life’s challenges. Not only was he an advisor, he was a true friend to all he knew and served.
Jeff’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He was devoted to his wife and children, as well as his extended family. Based on a very official family poll, he was not voted the “Funniest Uncle,” but he was voted the “Favorite Uncle” by a landslide. He was excited to greet his nieces and nephews with a hug and a kiss; he was always quick to tell everyone how much he loved them.
It was not uncommon for Jeff to stop and chat with anyone he knew. He loved to travel, meet new people and laugh with the ones he loved. He was the life of the party and was ready to celebrate any occasion — large or small, to let people know he was proud of their accomplishments.
For the last nine years, Jeff had many health issues that were difficult for him. He faced these challenges with faith, dignity and a healthy dose of humor. Five years ago, he received a kidney from his older brother; it was truly a gift and gave Jeff a renewed lease on life.
Jeff is survived by his wife Shan; daughter Jessica; son Alex; mother, Phyllis J. Taggart; brothers Greg (Janet), Chris (Betsy), and sisters Colette (Jim) and Megan (Jon). He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at the LDS Chapel, 1407 Heart Mountain Street in Cody.
Services will be held Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. at the same location. Haskell Funeral Home of Lovell is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be sent to: the National Kidney Foundation, 650 South Cherry Street, Suite #455, Denver, CO 80246.
