James "Jim" J. Berkebile, Jr., 91, of Ozark, Missouri (formerly Kansas City), passed away on January 30, 2019.
Jim was born January 17, 1928 in Moberly, Missouri to James J. Berkebile & Alma Mae Berkebile. Jim served in United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He met his true love, Madge Baker at Chillicothe Business College, they were married July 1, 1949. Shortly after marrying, he began working at Kansas City Southern Railroad as a payroll accountant, which he later retired from. Jim was a scout leader with his two sons, Phil & Randy. One thing they will always remember are the canoe trips in Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoyed collecting coins and woodworking. After retirement, he developed an interest in genealogy and enjoyed traveling with his wife, including trips to Ireland and Switzerland. Jim & Madge attended Sterling Acres Baptist Church, where they became involved with mission work repairing and building churches. He also helped coordinate the donations for Samaritan's Purse Christmas boxes each year to be sent to kids around the world. Through their church, they built long-lasting friends and enjoyed many outings and meals with them. After moving to Branson to live closer to their daughter, Patty, Jim and his daughter became especially close when Madge entered a nursing home facility, visiting her often and enjoying meals together. Patty was especially blessed with this time given to her with her dad. Jim's family and friends were blessed with his love through the gifts he shared from his woodworking projects.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Madge; his sister, Alma Louise; his daughter-in-law, Rose Berkebile; and his son-in-law, John Blesse. He is survived by his children: Phil Berkebile, Patty Blesse, and Randy (Angie) Berkebile; his grandchildren: Aaron (Skyla) Berkebile, Michael Blesse, Kaley Blesse, Abbey Berkebile, Gabe (Alex) Berkebile, and Ethan Berkebile; his great-grandchildren: Bryan Berkebile, Angel Berkebile, Madison Berkebile, and Quinn Berkebile; and his sister-in-law, Madelyn (Jay) Carroll.
Funeral services will be held at Longview Funeral Home, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 3:00 pm, with a visitation one hour prior to service beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in Longview Cemetery with military honors. Memorial donations are suggested to Alzheimer's Association, 3846 W 75th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208.
The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at Hopedale Cottage for their excellent care and compassion shown to them throughout the time they cared for Jim. Also, a thank you to Intrepid Hospice for helping in his final days.