James "Jim" Sigler

On November 21, at age 73, James Sigler passed from this life and began his ascension toward Heaven. Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 30, 1949 to his late parents John and Lucille Sigler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Erin Elizabeth Sigler and his Son Tyson James Sigler. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Wynn and Jeni Sigler of Algonquin, Illinois, his two granddaughters Asia Ellingsworth of Rolla, and Angeline Sigler of Algonquin Illinois, his brother Robert Sigler of Englewood, Florida.

Jim had a passion for music which started at a young age. His brother Bob recalls Jim starting to do music reviews in grade school, where he'd share his favorite songs from AM radio. From that beginning he became an accomplished professional musician and was in numerous bands, duos and trios playing many styles of music and pretty much any instrument with strings. He worked for a time at Elderly Music in Lansing, Michigan and gave lessons on guitar, banjo and mandolin for many years. He attended Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Telecommunications.

Jim moved his young family to Rolla, Missouri in 1985 after being hired as a producer at KUMR/KMST Public Radio where he soon established his popular, long-running show Sounds Eclectic. Through this medium he was able to feature an amazing variety of music and share his love and incredible knowledge of that world to Public Radio listeners in Rolla and the surrounding area. He had a phenomenal memory and knew how to deliver information with fine detail and passion. In addition to his show Jim served respectively as KUMR/KMST's News Director, Program Director and Station Manager until his retirement in 2010.

When not on-air Jim could often be found doing local performances in venues like The Blue Heron Cafe or running the sound board for concerts and charity events. Music created friendships wherever he went, and he never knew a stranger.

As a father and grandfather, Jim always supported his children and grandchildren’s ambitions. He showered them with encouragement and support. As a big brother, he always included Bob with his friends and music. He was a very devoted son and a man that valued his friendships and family.

"Down the Road, Jim." You will be missed down here.

A date for a Celebration of Life will be announced.