James Palmer
James V. (Jim) Palmer, age 89, of Heartland, MO passed away Monday, April 13, 2020 at the Clarence Care Center in Clarence, MO. Due to CDC guidelines, a private graveside service was held Friday, April 17 at Heartland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Heartland Christian College. Arrangements are under the direction of the Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home of Shelbina, MO.
Jim was born April 12, 1931 in Postville, the son of Merton and Mabel (Rupp) Palmer. He was united in marriage to Peggy (Chappell) Palmer November 24, 1955. They enjoyed more than 50 years of marriage and ministry together before she preceded him in death March 14, 2006. May 23, 2008 he married Harriet (Platz) Palmer, and they started a new chapter of serving God together.
He is survived by his wife, Harriet Palmer; three sons, Kyle (Cynthia) Palmer of Warrensburg, MO, Kris (Martha) Palmer of Heartland, MO and Kirk (Rhonda) Palmer of Brookfield, MO; nine grandchildren, Tabitha (Matt) Jones, Travis (Kaitlyn) Palmer, Caleb (Becca) Palmer, Jennie (Nathan) Mayes, Jordan (Courtney) Palmer, Meghan (John) Cramer, Ryan (Ceaira) Palmer, Lydia Palmer and Adam Palmer; 12 great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Avery, Reed, Ethan, Ava, Hudson, Ariana, Wesley, Eden, Pierson, Valerie and Maverick; and a sister-in-law, Lucille Palmer of Wellington, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Peggy; two brothers, Merton F. Palmer and Gerald Keith Palmer; and one sister-in-law, Joselyn Palmer.
Jim served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954. He later attended the University of Dubuque and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended the Midwest Seminary in Kansas City where he earned his Master’s degree. Jim preached and served local churches for more than 40 years. He also taught elementary school for many years and influenced a large number of children.
In 2012, he began teaching at Heartland Christian College, and he remained active with the College until his death. Jim loved serving God and God’s people, and he often did that with a strong sense of humor. Even as illness made it difficult to get out, he and Harriet often came to church where Jim greeted everyone with a handshake and a smile from his wheelchair. Jim enjoyed reading, watching old classic movies, and seeing Broadway shows. Most of all, he loved his large family, and he celebrated all their accomplishments. They will carry on a great legacy of faith.
