A standing valve assembly providing a large cross-sectional flow area to reduce flow restrictions while in a production mode. A preferred embodiment of the valve is capable of movement in a valve alignment guide from a normally biased open position. The normally biased open position provides a large flow area. When removal of accumulated fluid in a wellbore is required, gas-lift gas closes the valve to isolate the producing formation allowing the fluid to be lifted from the wellbore. After removal of the fluid is completed and the gas-lift is stopped, the valve returns to its normal open position to allow flow through the valve assembly.
