Continuing to serve: Veteran Jim McTaggart

When a U.S. military veteran is admitted to Cox Hospital in Branson, they will find someone who understands, can connect them with valuable resources, and can minister to their spiritual needs. That person is Jim McTaggart, who has served as the Veteran Representative for the past four years. 

After growing up and graduating high school in New York, McTaggart received his “invitation from Uncle Sam” to serve in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. After training, he and his high school sweetheart, Bobby Sue, moved their wedding date forward to March 17, 1966, before Jim shipped out; they will celebrate 60 years next St. Patrick’s Day. 

Jim’s time on the ground in Vietnam was cut short by being wounded and sent to a M.A.S.H. hospital, moved to an Air Force hospital in the Philippines, and then transferred to a Navy hospital in Chicago for recovery and rehab before being honorably discharged in 1968. In addition to his Purple Heart, McTaggart earned a Combat Infantry Medal and the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. 

Jim and Bobby Sue moved to Illinois, where he attended Northern Illinois University using Veterans Administration benefits. With Bobby Sue’s parents being Branson residents, they decided to move to Branson 47 years ago, where they got involved in the community and eventually Branson Veterans of America 913. They operated their own business, Missouri Machine Tools, until 2018. 

Over the years, McTaggart’s personal experiences have combined with cultural changes he has witnessed to shape his outlook on life, including his faith. Raised in a Christian family, he says Vietnam “really helped me know what I believed in,” citing the truism that “there are no atheists in foxholes.” During his time at NIU, he also observed Ku Klux Klan rallies and other racist activity alongside the civil rights movement, helping solidify his Christian belief that all people are created equally in the image of God. 

Vietnam veterans were not given uniforms to wear home after being discharged, due to negative public perception and even risk of violence. McTaggart says he was concerned for veterans of Iraq and other conflicts that are not always well-perceived on the home front, but has been glad to see them having a better experience. In addition to his name, his Cox volunteer uniform says “Welcome Home,” something many Vietnam veterans have still not heard. 

Raised in a traditional liturgical church environment, the McTaggarts were faithful in their involvement until they began seeing doctrine and policy changes they did not feel were biblical. In 2003, they started St. Joseph’s Anglican church in Branson, a traditional church experience that remains true to biblical values. Jim is grateful to Branson First Presbyterian Church for their support in allowing St. Joseph’s to meet in the Old Stone Church downtown; the congregation later moved to their current building on Highway T in Branson, where the McTaggarts served until their retirement in 2022. 

Retirement doesn’t mean not busy, though. They enjoy their family—daughter Sara operates Three Faces Salon in Branson; and son Joshua, a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander, lives in New Orleans with his family including the McTaggarts’ two grandchildren. And in a community that wears a lot of KC Chiefs gear, they also continue to be proud Buffalo Bills fans. (Note: that line was actually written before Sunday night’s game!) 

Like many veterans, Jim finds purpose in continuing to serve other veterans. If a veteran is not connected with the VA medical system upon arriving at Cox, he helps them apply and start receiving valuable healthcare benefits; he also provides spiritual counsel when needed. He enjoys the fellowship and opportunities to serve through BVA 913, including helping organize Veterans Week events. Jim was recently honored with a Quilt of Valor, and is deeply appreciative of the tangible reminder that people really do care about veterans. 

When not busy with family, hospital work and other volunteering, Jim and Bobby Sue have another fun hobby—driving their 1978 Indy Pace Car Corvette to enjoy the Ozarks scenery. Watch for it in next week’s Veterans Day Parade!