James Charles Pierce, 82, of Rayville, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City.

James was born on August 12, 1942, in Carthage, the son of Jack Albert and Iona Mae (Richardson) Pierce.  He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Sappington of Weston on June 18, 1962; she survives of the home.

Additional survivors include: three sons: Jim (Sarah) Pierce of Richmond, Scott (Barb) Pierce of Richmond, and Gerry Jack (Glenda) Pierce of Lee's Summit; two grandsons, Dalton Pierce and Noah Pierce, both of Blue Springs; and three brothers-in-law: Preston (Carol) Sappington of Parkville, Mark (Beth) Sappington of Diamond, and John Sappington of Sebastopol, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lance Pierce, and sister, Jackie Pierce.

James Charles Pierce was quite a guy! His parents were Iona and Jack Pierce. His brother was Ronald Lance and his sister, Jackie Ann. He grew up and graduated high school in Grandview, Mo, 1960. He then attended National College in KCMO on a basketball scholarship and work study. Patricia Sappington was also attending National College, while her Dad, Rev. Gerald Sappington attended seminary. She often practiced piano and organ in the campus chapel.  It was Jim's work study that led him to the love of his life. He soon was spending quite a bit of time cleaning the windows in the practice rooms. A spotless chapel is where they exchanged names and within a year, wedding vows.

They were married the following June, 1962. Jim and Patricia became parents of three wonderful sons; James David (Sarah), Daniel Scott (Barbara) and Gerry Jack (Glenda) and two loving grandsons, Dalton and Noah. Jim was so very proud of his family.

On Jim's death at 82 he had lived such a full and happy life. He was always loving and faithful with his family. Right up to his illness, which started with COVID on September 2, 2024, he taught six exercise classes to seniors  three times a week. When he hit Silver Sneakers age he started teaching those exercise classes. It was his effort to help keep himself and others in good health. And, he dressed the part to energize folks by wearing coordinated and intensely colored outfits with matching fedoras. His classes were always accompanied by his wild and crazy cd's.

Jim worked 20 years land surveying and the next 20 years working for the US Postal Service. In 1992, Jim and Patricia built a home north of Richmond, MO where they lived. He and his family planted about 800 fruit trees on his 40 acres. In the fall he would have gatherings to eat and press apple juice with friends and family. As the trees began bearing fruit which led him to selling at farmers markets to apple eaters throughout the KC and Richmond area. Later, his energies and his apples were the foundation for Of The Earth Farm Distillery.

We will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Eagleton Center in Richmond.  Inurnment will be held at a later date by the family.  Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of James with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.