James Henry Huber

James Henry Huber, 74, of Westphalia, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Harry S. Truman Veteran's Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, after a long illness. He was born on October 24, 1943, in Jefferson City, a son of the late Carl and Goldean (West) Huber. He was united in marriage at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia, on September 16, 1967 to Rose Bernadette Reichart, who preceded him in death on February 6, 2016. Jim graduated from Fatima High School in 1961, where he played basketball and was President of the FFA. Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought during the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, Jim worked for Settle Radio and Repair in Jefferson City, was a front-end diesel mechanic for Knollmeyer's Chevrolet in Linn, diesel mechanic for International Harvester in St. Louis, Missouri, a machinist for Stag Brewery in Belleville, Illinois, a truck driver for Hepp Trucking in New Athens, Illinois and then a truck driver for Jefferson Hauling & Distributing in Jefferson City, Missouri until his retirement. Jim and Rose, along with other friends and couples, played St. Nicholas for the Westphalia children after they were married. They would go to homes with small children and bring them candy and have them say prayers. The friends were grouped together as St. Nicholas, an Angel and a Devil (for the bad boys and girls) along with a driver-none of them were ever paired with their spouses or siblings so that townspeople would not know who they were. While living in Hecker, Illinois from 1979 through 1993, Jim was an active member of St. Augustine Church in Hecker where he helped with the church's annual auctions and was a member of the Hecker Commercial Club where he helped serve for dances, helped with the state Horseshoe tournaments and was also a volunteer Hecker fireman. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia, he enjoyed playing pinochle with family and friends, gigging with his brother-in-law Jim Reichart for frogs, spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren. Jim is survived by a daughter: Julie Huber of Westphalia; and sons, Ron Huber of Westphalia and John Huber (wife Lori) of St. Elizabeth; three grandchildren: Attila, Chayla, and Brienna Huber, all of St. Elizabeth; sisters: Mary Wilde and Susie Huber, and brother, Kenny Huber (wife Lori), all of Westphalia; and brother, Paul Huber (wife Shelley) of Rex, Ga.; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members. In addition to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by parents, Carl (July 6, 1983) and Goldean (September 27,1997); brothers, Gilbert (July 8,1970) and Gerald "Butch" (October 22, 1991); and brother-in-law, David Wilde (November 26, 2016). Friends will be received from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Hilke-Millard Funeral Home in Westphalia, with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia, with Fr. Anthony Viviano officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery in Westphalia. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family or for Masses at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia. Arrangements are under the direction of HILKE-MILLARD Funeral Home, 101 Linn Street, Westphalia, MO 65085. (573) 455-2424. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com