James Davidsmeier

James L. Davidsmeier, age 88, of Virginia, died Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

He was born May 19, 1931 in rural Virginia, the son of Edward and Emma Weaver Davidsmeier.

He is survived by three daughters Janet (husband David) Holcomb of Tennessee, Mitzi (husband Dan) McClenning of rural Virginia, and Patricia Davidsmeier of Springfield; 11 grandchildren Billy Davidsmeier, Karlee Holcomb, Becky (husband) Chris Weitzel, Jimmy (wife Lucy) Yost, Amber (significant other Carryn Roberts) McClenning, Chris (wife Erin) McClenning, Katie Davidsmeier, and Haley Bollman; 14 great grandchildren Morgan (husband Taylor), Dalton, Samantha, DJ, Eliza, Blane, Landon, Natalie, Kobi, Kai, Kora, Maika, and Myles; two great great grandchildren Emery and Wyatt; two sisters Joann (husband Dick) McGill of Texas and Claralee (husband Leslie) Little of Joliet; numerous nieces and nephews; close friends considered family Steve and Cindy Dotzert, Drake and Ashley Dotzert; and life-long friends Mike and Joyce Dyche.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Norman (wife Georgia) Davidsmeier and Johnny (wife Patricia) Davidsmeier; and six sisters Berdella (husband (Russell) Kaiser, Velma (husband Herman) Dour, Marcella (husband Lee) DeSollar, Freda (husband Clifford) Wallace, Mary (husband Marty) Pond, and Rose Davidsmeier in infancy.

James attended a one room country school house in Cass County. He was a lifelong farmer in rural Virginia. James served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was awarded several medals in honor of his heroism. He was baptized and a confirmed member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. James was an avid racing and St. Louis Cardinals fan, taught his family to only buy or play with Green tractors, a bowler and also known for his barn that advertised “See 7 States from Rock City”. He cherished his dog Mazie and will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery with military honors conducted by Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 of Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 PM Friday at the memorial home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Virginia Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be left online atwww.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.