James R. Macomber

James R. Macomber, 90, passed away April 1, 2013 in Imperial, Mo., surrounded by his loving wife and family. James was born September 25, 1922 in Moravia, Iowa to George and Ruth (Ballinger) Macomber. James is survived by his wife of 20 years Dorothy (Pauline), his three children; Juanita Hanna of High Ridge, Mo,, Lavina Kueker of Imperial, Mo. and Walter (Rosine) of Caledonia, Mn. His first wife Lenore preceded James in death on January 3, 1986. James married Dorothy (Pauline Tulley) on August 15, 1992, and is also survived by her two children Larry (Deborah) Gillam of Springfield, Mo. and Chris (Butch) Ross of Dittmer, Mo. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

James served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Longshaw DD559 during WWII, which was sunk at Okinawa, May 18, 1945. The ship earned 9 battle stars, and James received numerous medals and ribbons, including a Purple Heart. He worked 21 years as a baker, 12 years at Water District 3 and 8 years at the Jefferson County Courthouse as a bailiff for Division 3. During the late 1950s and many years following he was with the Civil Defense Arnold Auxiliary Police, which then became the Jefferson County Sheriff's Reserves. He also was one of the charter members of the Shady Valley Fire Department and volunteered there for many years.

James was a faithful Christian and worshiped at South County Baptist Church.

Visitation for James will be Friday, April 5 at Heiligtag-Lang-Fendler Funeral Home, 1081 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, from 4-8 p.m. Visitation will also be at the funeral home Saturday morning April 6th from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and the funeral will follow at noon. Interment will be at Shepherd Hills Cemetery, Highway M, Barnhart, Mo.