James Ray Tranbarger

James Ray (Jim) Tranbarger, devoted husband, father, oldest brother and friend, passed away Tuesday, August 6 in Springfield, MO. Jim was born on May 22, 1953 in Louisville, KY. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1971 and attended School of the Ozarks until he was called to be a photojournalist for KY3 in Springfield Mo where he worked for 30 years. He married Geneva Childress in 1974, he was a doting husband for almost Fifty years before he passed. After he retired from KY3 he started Tranbarger Shop Works in Willard with his son Joshua where they repaired cars, lawn mowers, and replaced and repaired tires. With a twinkle in his eye he always said he could "fix anything from the crack of dawn to a broken heart" and anyone who knew Jim knew he would help even if they didn't ask. Jim was a Mason and Shriner serving on the quad-cycle and motorcycle patrol during parades. He enjoyed and was very active in the Shriners until health issues kept him from it. Jim was an Elder and Deacon at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, then moved his membership to Willard-Mt Zion Presbyterian Church where he currently served on the Session.
Jim enjoyed floating the many rivers, camping, and fishing the nearby rivers and lakes. He was a master at the grill and loved to grill steaks for family and friends. Jim was a little onery, a big teddy bear and maybe told you truths you didn't want to hear; he loved his family and his friends and was very strong in his faith. We know Jim has received the ultimate reward in heaven. Jim is survived by his wife Geneva, of 50 years (close enough), their son Joshua and granddaughter Caedence. Jim has four brothers, John D (Linda), Phil (Theresa), Mark (Ginny) and Joe (Cheyenne) all of the Springfield area, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends he considered family. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Faun Aleen Tranbarger and sister-in-law Theresa Tranbarger.
Visitation with family will be conducted by Greenlawn North 3506 N National Ave, Springfield on Sunday, August 11 from 4-6 pm. A service honoring Jim will be Monday, August 12 at 10:00am at Willard Presbyterian Church, 800 State Highway AB, Willard, MO with interment at Wesley Cemetery, Willard, MO. In lieu of flowers please donate in his honor to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital. Donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children® (lovetotherescue.org)
First born, first gone. We will miss your valued advice and help.