James David Sears

JAMES DAVID SEARS James David Sears, 78, passed away on May 21st, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He spent the past year at Arbors Memory Care and had recently moved to Aspire Skilled Nursing. Jim was born on October 31st, 1946, the son of Bill and Gertrude Sears of Huntsville, MO. A devoted family man, Jim was known for his warm smile and sense of humor. He married Cathy Ann Powell, also of Huntsville, MO, on July 29th, 1972. Jim and Cathy had grown up together, and their families were close friends. Jim graduated with the Westran High School class of 1964. During his high school years, he played basketball and baseball and served as class president each year. He then attended Moberly Area Community College, where he played for the 1966 National Champion Moberly Greyhounds Men's Basketball team under Cotton Fitzsimmons. After MACC, he went on to study at the University of Missouri. When his father passed away unexpectedly, Jim returned home to help his mother and began working. Gifted with numbers, Jim began his career as a traveling auditor for the Missouri State team. He then worked at AECI (Associated Electric) Coal Company in Thomas Hill, managing the warehouse and serving as plant analyst. When the plant eventually closed, he spent a few years in the early 1990s working for Yellow Freight. In 1994, after much consideration and encouragement from his friend Dorothy Hedges (former county clerk) and the retiring clerk, Dottie Wilson, Jim decided to run for Randolph County Clerk. He spent that year putting up yard signs, campaigning, giving speeches at local events, and going door to door around Randolph County with his family by his side. The race was close, and he won by just 17 votes. True to his character, Jim retained his opponent, recognizing her valuable experience and offering her a continued role in the office. After that initial term, he was re-elected for four more terms and retired in 2010. In 2011, MACC recognized his service with the Distinguished Service Award. A lifelong resident of Randolph County, Jim remained active in the community beyond his official duties. He was a member of the Democrat Club and served on both the MACC Foundation Board and the Clifton Hill Cemetery Board. He was a dedicated father, always present at his children's events. A loyal fan of the Cardinals, MU Tigers, Royals, and the Chiefs, Jim also loved playing golf with friends at Heritage Hills. He especially enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports and caring for his dogs - his favorite hobby. He spent a lot of time walking and caring for them through the years and taking them to the local dog park. Jim was also a longtime member of the First Baptist Church, where he served as a greeter when his health allowed. Jim is survived by his wife, Cathy Sears (Powell); his daughter, Keli Hurst, and her husband, Kyle, of Kansas City, MO; his son, David Sears, and his wife, Sarah, of Dubuque, IA; and his brother, Bill Sears, and his wife, Meli, of Chula Vista, CA. He had four grandchildren: Karter and Kaden Hurst, and Oliver and Owen Sears. He also leaves behind his niece Erin Sears, and nephew, William Sears, both of California. Jim loved the simple things in life and will be deeply missed by his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The First Baptist Church of Moberly, Friends of the Park of Moberly (please designate for the dog park), or The Humane Society. Words of comfort and support may be shared with the family at a visitation to be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 3-6 pm at the Cater Funeral Home. Funeral services honoring and celebrating Jim's life will be Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 1:00 pm, in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel. Committal prayer and burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery.