Chris Vieth

James Christopher "Chris" Vieth, age 56, of Jefferson City, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Capital Region Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 24, 1969, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Chris was the son of James Bernard and Judith Anne (Deel) Vieth.

A lifelong resident of the area, he was proud to call Jefferson City home. He graduated from Helias Catholic High School in 1988 and went on to further his education at East Central College and Linn Technical College, completing his studies in 1992.

On May 22, 2004, Chris married the love of his life, Carole "Dawn" Guffey, at Lake Ozark, Missouri. Together they built a life centered around family, laughter, and time spent at the Lake. Dawn survives at their home.

Chris was a hardworking and talented man who took great pride in his work. Self-employed as an electrician and dock repair specialist, he was known for his skill, reliability, and willingness to help others. Over the years, he also worked for J. Christopher Transport, the State of Missouri Photogrammetry Department, and the Missouri Department of Transportation bridge crew. No matter the job, Chris approached it with dedication and a strong work ethic.

To know Chris was to know his love for the outdoors and adventure. He had a passion for motorcycles, dirt bikes, cars, boats, and especially his beloved '55 Chevy lifted truck. He enjoyed giving friends rides in his '65 Mustang and could often be found watching old westerns like Gunsmoke or a classic James Bond film. Christmastime was especially meaningful to him, and he never missed watching A Christmas Story. He was always ready with a smile and the familiar question, "Who wants ice cream?"

Some of his most cherished memories were road trips with his daughter Bailey, dirt biking with Derek, family outings to Silver Dollar City, and countless days spent boat riding and relaxing at the Lake of the Ozarks with Dawn. He loved traveling to places like Virginia and Texas, but wherever his family was, that was home.

Chris was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church and was involved with the Missouri State Sports Hall of Fame and the National Rifle Association. He also volunteered with Missouri State Track & Field, generously giving of his time and talents.

Chris will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his generous heart, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. He lived fully, laughed often, and never passed up an opportunity to create a memory. As his father often said, "Getting old ain't for sissies" - and Chris certainly lived with strength, grit, and heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn Vieth of Jefferson City; his children, Bailey Vieth of St. Louis and Zackery LoPresto (Cody Davis) of Columbia; his mother, Judy Vieth of Jefferson City; his sisters, Leslie Vieth of Jefferson City and Lisa Rush (Jeb Rush) of Jefferson City; one nephew, Adam Rush of Springfield; one niece, Emily Thompson (Torrie); with extended family members and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Bernard Vieth.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, the memories he created - on the road, on the water, and around the Christmas tree - will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Freeman Mortuary.

The celebration of life service will begin at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Freeman Chapel, with the Reverend Curtis Washam officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Friends of the JCAS, PO Box 105932, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.