James Lee Eaton, Jr.

It is with heavy heart we announce the passing of Jim Eaton, February 9, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born January 11, 1941, in Bonne Terre, to the late James and Lillie (Horn) Eaton. He spent his entire life supporting and improving the town and surrounding area of Bonne Terre. He graduated from Desloge High School in 1958 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Jim’s first job out of college was serving as Bonne Terre’s first city manager. In addition to establishing this form of government, as city manager from 1966-1970, he created budgets and worked on the development of the water and sewer system. Jim was also an active member of the Bonne Terre Jaycees. They began the Independence Day fireworks display in the park and raised money to support the youth baseball programs in Bonne Terre. In 1970, he was presented with an award from the citizens of Bonne Terre and the Chamber of Commerce for being an “incalculable force in the promotion of the community’s welfare” and his “unselfish efforts and lasting contributions” to Bonne Terre. 

After serving as city manager, Jim began working at First State Bank of Bonne Terre, which would later become Commerce Bank. Jim rose through the ranks quickly, giving many in the community their first car or house loans. Understanding the needs of the community and the banking business, Commerce Bank thrived under Jim’s direction and branched into two more banks. During this time, Jim received the Distinguished Service Award from the Jaycees, and when the Bonne Terre Rotary held their first roast, they chose Jim as the honoree for his devotion to the Bonne Terre Community. His service to Bonne Terre also showed in other communities as he received the Flat River Chamber of Commerce Friend Award. With the closing of the mines, Jim became active in the Community Services Group, an organization of citizens seeking to bring industry to the area. The group brought in many businesses including Wilson Leather, C&R Products, Williams-Crusher, Mavrakos, Ralston Purina, and Service Heel. 

Twenty-two years later, Jim needed a new task, so he took his talents to the competition at First State Community Bank. Many customers followed Jim because he demonstrated how to handle the business with both his head and his heart. Under Jim’s guidance the bank prospered, more than quadrupling the loans, deposits, and total assets. In 1993 Jim received his First Citizen of the Year Award from the Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Bonne Terre Economic Development Committee, who assisted in bringing the Eastern Missouri Diagnostic Center to town. He received the honor of Official Groundbreaker to mark that occasion. In addition, the EDC developed the Bonne Terre Senior Apartments and renovated property to bring economic growth to the community including South Park Subdivision and the industrial park by the golf course. They also helped relocate the Knights of Columbus to Bonne Terre. During this time, Jim received an award for “Outstanding Service and Leadership as chairperson of the board of trustees.” In 2002, he won the Lifetime Hall of Fame award from the Bonne Terre Chamber, after 18 years, Big Jim retired, or so he thought. He was asked once again to lead the city and returned to the position he had defined as the first City Manager. Caring deeply about Bonne Terre and its future, Jim willingly accepted the position of Interim City Administrator. Jim continued to be the perfect example of tackling difficult situations and striving for amicable solutions for all. He constantly endeavored to promote and improve the community. He received the KREI- KTJJ 110% award and in 2015 received Citizen of the Year from Mineral Area Elks. Jim’s interim position as city administrator lasted three years. Then he finally retired (again) to enjoy the fruits of his labor of love for the city of Bonne Terre. He received the Daily Journal Citizen of the Year Award for the second time in 2018.  Jim’s influence on the improvement of Bonne Terre would be difficult to exceed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one granddaughter, Brooke Peppers. 

Jim was a loving husband to his wife of 46 years, Carol (Winkler) Eaton; supportive father to James Eaton, III and wife Andrea, Beth Eilerman and husband Greg, Teddy Eaton and wife Becky; stepfather to Joan Denman and husband Larry, Martin (Kelley) Peppers, Michael Peppers and wife Jennifer; adoring grandpa to Matt Eaton, Mary (Jake) Wiser, Gregory (Ashley) Eilerman and David (Claire) Eilerman, Emily and Grant Eaton, Madison Binkard, Christopher and David (Vicky) Denman, Jessica (Jon) Loughary, Stephen (Lindsey) Peppers, Brittany (Bryan) Baumbach, Brianna and Brayden Peppers; great-grandpa to Brody, Tenley, Easton, Evy, Molly, Johnnie, Louise, Winnie, West, Lillian, Lemon and Noah; sister inlaw, Beverly Winkler; other family members and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, with a Masonic service at 7:30 PM. The visitation will resume Friday, February 14, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Reverend Randy Black officiating. Interment will follow at Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Bonne Terre. Memorials may be directed to Marvin Chapel Cemetery Fund at 319 Lake Drive Bonne Terre, MO 63628, Shop With A Cop at 1550 Doubet Rd. Farmington, MO 63640, or Tunnel To Towers t2t.org/donate.