William J. "Jim" Spurgeon

Mr. William J. "Jim" Spurgeon, age 81 years, of New Bloomfield, Mo., passed away Thursday, January 13, 2011, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born on December 26, 1929, in Maplewood, Mo., a son of Frank and Lydia Branson Spurgeon. He was married on March 17, 1951, in Belle, Mo., to Shirley J. Walker, who preceded him in death on February 6, 1999. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Jim graduated from Belle High School in Belle, Mo. After high school he served in the United States Navy from 1948 until 1950. Jim was employed as a sales route driver with several bottling companies in Jefferson City, with the longest time being with Seven Up and Dr Pepper Bottling Company. He later worked with Nehi and Royal Crown Cola in Jefferson City. He was a member of the AM Vets in Mokane and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 2693 where he went to work after retirement since he was a Golden Age Eagle. Jim loved spending time with his family and always enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting when he was younger. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and tried to watch as many of their games as possible. Survivors include: one son, William J. "Bill" Spurgeon Jr. of Jefferson City, Mo.; two daughters, Jelletta "Jill" Peterson and her husband Robert of Jefferson City, Mo., and LaDenna Kraus and her husband Phil of New Bloomfield, Mo.; three brothers, Milford Spurgeon and his wife Vivian of Belle, Mo., Roger Spurgeon and his wife Phyllis of Waterloo, Ill., and Clark Spurgeon and his wife Theresa of Fulton, Mo.; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 17, 2011. A funeral service with military honors will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend R.W. Beard officiating. Private graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Callaway County Humane Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com