Jim VanBeber, 81, of Clever, Missouri passed away Monday, September 23, 2024 after a massive stroke. Jim was born January 6, 1943, in El Dorado, Kansas, the son of Earnest and Edith VanBeber. He was united in marriage to Kathleen “Kathie” Schultz; this union was blessed with six children and 49 years of wonderful memories before Kathie passed away in 2016.
Jim was admired and loved by all for his kind, humble and gentle nature. He was artistic, creative and had a gift for being able to fix just about anything. Jim enjoyed multiple hobbies, including ceramics, wood carving and walking sticks. When someone would ask about one of the beautiful canes or walking sticks he made, he would reply, “I didn’t make it—I only revealed what God had already created”.
He enjoyed classic rock and folk music, often relating song lyrics to a given situation, sharing his perspective, aka his paradigm. He was quiet by nature, being a deep thinker, and as such spent many hours reading and pondering over the scriptures. Jim was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was knowledgeable and experienced about life, the world, and relationships. He was a deep well of information and wisdom, with unrivaled problem-solving skills. He had a knack for seeing things others couldn’t, offering insightful perspectives making others feel important to him. He was not rushed and would always make time for a loved one or a good conversation. Jim had a dry sense of humor earning giggles from loved ones at any opportunity. In honor of this, if his family were asked to keep him on the earth a little longer everyone would reply with a sly grin and a resounding, “WOOD EYE!”
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kathie; and two sisters, LuAnn Anderton and husband Larry, and Sharon Werner and husband Ron.
Jim is survived by his six children: James VanBeber, Mike Stewart, Marie Pitcher and husband Donald, Jon VanBeber, Jeff VanBeber and wife Birgit, Naomi Phillips and husband Chuck; his sister, JoAnn Weeks and husband Del; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and loving friends.
Funeral services for Jim will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, September 28, 2024 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Visitation will be Saturday starting at 9:30 A.M. until funeral time. Burial will follow in Frazier Cemetery, Boaz, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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Melanie Taylor says
September 26, 2024 at 9:49 pmOur family is so sad to hear of James passing. He was such a kind person. Our prayers are with you all at this time of separation.