James Robert "Jim" Gaylor

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of James Robert Gaylor, affectionately known as "Rusty" to his immediate family. Jim was born in Oklahoma City on December 11, 1947, to Paul Gaylor and Ruth Bryant Gaylor. He passed from this life on Friday, November 28, 2025.
After graduating from high school in Miami, OK, he enlisted in the Army and was discharged as a Captain. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, the University of Oklahoma, and earned his MS at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Jim spent years working at Dean McGee Eye Institute and the University of Oklahoma Dermatology Department before founding and running his own environmental science business for more than 35 years. He said he answered to no one except his clients, Janet, and the Cardinals game schedule. He enjoyed a quiet morning on the patio, with a cup of coffee. His passions were the St. Louis Cardinals and history.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and by Judith Hill Gaylor, mother of his children. He is survived by his wife, Janet, of the home; daughter Emily Gaylor, and his grandson, Ben Abernathy; son Chris Gaylor, also sons, Jeff (Robin)Wiley and Jason (Judy)Wiley, whom he welcomed into his life through his marriage to Janet; grandchildren, Geran, Darci, Aubri, Maci, Noemi, Graci, and Jeffrey; great-grandchildren, Sarah and Emily; and his sisters, Lesa (Cort) Cosby, Paula Crabb, and Jeannine Salazar. Many other family members, close business associates, and friends also survive him.
In true Rusty fashion, he requested his tombstone read: "I told you I was sick."