SIKESTON -- James "Jim" Terrell, 82, died Feb. 11, 2012, at his home in Sikeston.
He was born Oct. 11, 1929, in Sikeston, son of the late Willard and Gladys (Colley) Terrell. He retired as Sergeant-Illinois Military District Navy Pier Chicago, served six years in the U.S. Army, having been stationed in Japan (Okinawa Occupation); worked 20 years for Sikeston Public Safety, retiring as captain (firefighter) in 1991; and served six years on Sikeston City Council.
In the 1960s, he helped organize government of 13 Delmo Village's (DAEOC), supervised 17 Vista volunteers and wrote the pilot project for what is now Head Start. He was a member of Sikeston Little Theatre for over 50 years, performing many roles on stage. He built sets for numerous productions and was one of three Silver Mask Award winners.
Jim was a member of First Baptist Church; he loved fishing and working in his garden.
On Sept. 4, 1951, he married Hope Edwards, his wife of 61 years. She survives of the home in Sikeston.
Other survivors include: one son, Jamie Terrell of Sikeston; two daughters, Terri Terrell of Sikeston and Lisa (Tom) Hill of Greenwood; two brothers, Edward "Gene" Terrell of Poplar Bluff, Lee A. (Anita) Terrell of Springfield; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Terrell and Farrah (Tommy) Bissel of Sikeston, Hope Nickole Shadley of Florida, Layla Sutton O'Guin of East Prairie, Samantha and Jesse Hill of Greenwood and Blaine (Sherry) Moore of Austin, Texas; nine great-grandchildren, Daniel Bissel; Dorian, Isaiah and Elijah Wims; Tyler and Kaylei Shadley; Breyanna and Scott Sutton; and Lily Moore; and three great-grand-dogs: Baylee, Chloe and Willow.
In addition to his parents, one brother, Bill Terrell, preceded him in death.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home where funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. The Rev. David Ross, pastor of First Baptist Church, will officiate.
Interment services with full military honors will follow at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
Pallbearers will be: John Mallott, Drew Juden, Bill Walker, Dan Armour, Bob Davis, John Martin, Bill Smith, Dan Hinton, Albert Patterson, Tommy Bridger and Jim Hailey.
Honorary pallbearers will be: Steve Taylor, Jerry Dyer, Bob Tyrone, Bob Gee, Don Baker, James Day, Jim Reece, Jesse Kirk and John Sanders.
Online condolences may be sent at www.ponderfuneralhome.com.
Paid obituary