James Terry LePage

James Terry LePage, 82, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at his residence. He was born August 29, 1933, in Miami, Oklahoma, the son of the late Joseph Argie LePage and Alta Gertrude (Powers) LePage. He was married on June 9, 1956, in Joplin, Missouri, to Shirley M. Cignetti LePage who survives. Jim graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1951 and was 17 years old when he wanted to join the United States Navy, Korean Conflict. The Navy required a 17 year old to have one parent sign the permission for enlistment. His Dad refused to sign for him because his three older sons were already serving. Jim then requested his Mother to sign and she did. Jim's younger brother, Patrick also later joined the Marines. Jim served aboard the James E. Keyes Destroyer. Upon completion of service in 1954, Jim returned to Joplin and attended Joplin Jr. College. After marriage, he and Shirley moved to St. Louis where Jim attended St. Louis University, receiving a B.S in 1958; M.S. and his PhD from St. Louis University. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Jim taught for 20 years at Rockhurst College and ventured into the Consulting Business with Midwest Research Institute. Jim was forever pursuing opportunities and accepted a position with the late Governor Joseph Teasdale as Director of Revenue in 1977. This opened the door for his getting into the political arena as a Democratic contestant at the local and statewide levels. He served as Cole County Auditor, holding that position from 1987 to his retirement in 2014. He had a passion for teaching and was a Professor at Lincoln University and also taught briefly at Westminister College, Fulton, Missouri. Jim was a licensed CPA and held a Pilot's License for many years. Jim was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; Holy Name Society; Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. In earlier years, he coached his sons' basketball and football teams in the Red Bridge Community of Kansas City. He was an avid health enthusiast continuing to jog 10 miles several days per week through the years and since retirement. Jim was a giving man, serving his country, community, and volunteering for Winrock International on 12 trips to help 3rd World Countries. Jim was a pro-life advocate, volunteering and working for the Vitae Foundation and he recently authored a book titled Social Security Crises of 2037. In addition to his wife Shirley, he is survived by three daughters: Michele, Lucy, and Angie of Jefferson City; two sons, Tom of Jefferson City and Jeffrey (Deana) of Wasilla, Alaska; six grandchildren: Nathan(Katie) LePage (Colo.), Lisa Carol LePage (Wyo.), Jeremy Young (Mo.), Samantha Wilson (Mo.), C.J. Lamb (Ill.), Bryson LePage(Holts Summit) and Kaitlyn Mae LePage (Alaska); great-grandchildren: Angelina LePage, Amelia Potucek, Avery Rose Ayala and Samuel, Timothy and Malachi LePage. Surviving also are his brothers, Philip LePage (Fran) Lee's Summit, Mo. and Patrick Dean LePage (Marge) of Joplin, Mo. Jim also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, all to whom he was fondly in touch with when the occasion arose. Jim was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan James LePage; grandson, Michael James Schafermeyer; two brothers, Joseph LePage Jr. and Francis LePage and a sister Peggy Joann LePage. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with Fr. Donald Antweiler officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Vitae Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com