James Louis Felin, son of the late Jacob Henry Felin and Helen May (Hobson) Felin, was born on July 23, 1946, in Marshfield, Missouri, and departed this life on May 11, 2017, at his home in Elkland, Missouri.
Jim grew up on a dairy farm near Marshfield, Missouri, and graduated from Marshfield High School. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He was stationed in Germany for much of his tour. After leaving the Army, he worked at Marshfield Steel plant before moving to his present address near Elkland, Missouri.
He was a member of Louisburg Christian Church where he attended for over 40 years. He served many years as a Sunday school teacher and elder and was always ready to lend a helping hand to the many repair jobs. He also attended Calvary Chapel for several years where he made many wonderful friends.
Farming was Jim’s passion and he excelled in dairy, beef, raising alfalfa and soybeans. He always said he enjoyed all of it some of the time, but none of it all of the time.
Throughout the years he served as a board member of the Dallas County Farmers Exchange and Dallas County Soil and Water. He really enjoyed interacting with fellow farmers.
In later years he discovered he loved hunting. Many hours were spent with Mack and Zack Booker hunting deer, turkeys and squirrels. He practiced by shooting at ground hogs, but usually missed. Through his friendship and time spent with Mack and Zack, Jim found a love for antique rifles. He spent many hours searching for and attending auctions looking for rifles to refurbish.
Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Henry and Helen Felin; grandparents: Louis and Mary Felin and Oren and Emma Hobson; sister, Shirley Skidmore; brother-in-law, Rex Skidmore; and nephew, Tony Aaron Skidmore; as well as many beloved cousins and friends.
He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Cecile; one son, James Jacob “Jamie” Felin and his wife, Sarah, of Springfield, Missouri; one daughter, Casey Lane Rodick and her husband, Mike, of Springfield, Missouri; one sister, Joyce Raley and her husband, Ken, of Branson, Missouri; five grandchildren: Alivia June Felin of Mission, Kansas, Valerie Morgan Felin, James Jacob Randle Felin, Jasmine Lea Felin and Brennen Thomas Felin, all of Springfield, Missouri; Honorary son, daughter, and grandson; Mack, Christy and Zack Booker of Elkland, Missouri; and many other beloved relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Jim had so many people who loved and cared for him over the years, from family to friends. Special care was given by his Hospice nurse Bonnie Bertoldie and aide Rachael Lamb. Jake Ferrell was Jim’s loyal caregiver and served him with special care and love, which Jim was very thankful for.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, in the Cantlon Otterness Chapel with Dr. Douglas Earls and the Rev. David Miller officiating. Interment will be in the Louisburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday in the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.cantlonotterness.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Neighbors in Need (Commodities), c/o Neighbors in Need, 26 Oak Ridge Road, Buffalo, MO 65622.
(Paid memorial provided by family)
