James Donald "Jim" Oswald

James (Jim) Donald Oswald, 82, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 surrounded by his family. Jim was born November 22, 1933 to Estil F. and Mary Ellen Garthoffner Oswald the youngest of five children. He attended St. Martin's grade school in Martinsville, Mo., and graduated from Saints Peter and Paul High School in Boonville. He served two years in the US Army Signal Corps, 1953-1955. On May 5, 1956, Jim married Julia Ann Hain at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Julia and Jim were blessed with five children: James, Christine, Clifford, Donna and Julie.
Jim farmed all his life on the family farm in Lamine, Mo., first purchased by his great grandfather in 1902, raising cattle, hogs and even buffalo and could grow anything he put in the soil. He worked with youth in 4-H as beef leader and served two terms as President of Farm Bureau. He was active in the community serving seven years on Cooper County Hospital Board-three years as Chairman. He served two terms as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed volunteering at the Cooper County Historical Society and served on the board. He was a member of the Pro Life Alliance. Jim loved woodworking and welding, and one of his proudest creations was building Ozzie, the horseless carriage, a car made with walnut lumber from the farm. He and Julia entered Ozzie in many parades throughout the region, earning many trophies and countless moments of laughter. He loved sharing the simple pleasures of the farm with his kids and grandkids, spending time fishing and teaching them how to fish. He enjoyed playing bridge, golf and wintering in Florida with Julia; together the two of them traveled most of the United States and shared a wonderful trip to Ireland, even exploring a local farm there. In 2006 he lost Julia to cancer after 50 years of marriage.
Jim married Penny Barry on November 24, 2007 and the family grew with three more daughters Melissa, Christa, and Elizabeth. Penny taught Jim to cross stich and machine embroidery, and with that newfound talent, they created many beautiful quilts for their children and grandchildren, celebrating special moments in their lives. He was a strong supporter of Penny and her efforts with the Quilts of Valor.
Jim was blessed with two wonderful marriages, eight children, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Estil & Mary, by his brothers Estil Oswald and Robert (Bob) Oswald, by his sister Mary Margaret (Micky) Lang and by his loving wife, Julia Ann (Hain) Oswald. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Penny Oswald, and his children: James (Jim) Oswald, Jr. of Boonville, Christine and her husband Mark Koechner of Tipton Mo., Clifford Oswald of Lamine, Mo., Donna and her husband John Dougherty of Prairie Village, Kan., Julie and her husband Bob Fisher of Louisburg, Kan., Melissa and her husband Kjeld Petersen, of Memphis Tenn., Christa and her husband Eli Hotchkiss, Hemet, Calif. and Elizabeth and her husband Scott Tindall of Colorado Springs, Colo. Jim was greatly loved by his 12 grandchildren Michael, Rebecca, Lucas, Stephen, Loretta, Shannon, Michaela, Sean, Kristen, Lindsey, Bennett, Dylan, and one great grandson Kairos. Jim will also be missed by his beloved sister Jeanne Blanck, and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Jim shared with his family, and all he touched, his love of family, faith, prayer, and his quirky sense of humor. He will be greatly missed but will be forever remembered with great love.
The Mass of Resurrection will be held at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Monday, September 19 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held at SS Peter & Paul Church on Sunday afternoon September 18 from 3-5 p.m.; the Rosary will be prayed beginning at 3 p.m. with visitation following. Burial will be in church cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jim's name to SS. Peter and Paul Church. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital, Cooper County Hospital and the caring nurses of Hometown Home Care.