Jim Curtis

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

James Walter Curtis “Jim”, age 72, of Joplin, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Barnes Jewish Hospital following an illness.
Jim was born April 9, 1941 in Quincy, Illinois to Paul V. and Elaine B. (Gustafson) Curtis.
He was a 1959 graduate of Kirksville High School and 1963 graduate of Truman State University.
Jim married Mary Ellen Fagen October 5, 1962 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington, Iowa, she survives of the home.
Prior to his current position as owner/account executive at Peregrine Corporation, Jim had worked for Skelly/Getty Oil Company for 18 years, Uarco Business Forms for 13 years and MBF Corporation for 5 years.
He was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin.

Jim was a family man in the truest form. He was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren always cheering them on as their biggest fan. Jim loved to work and never turned down an opportunity to help others. Whether it was making Christmas baskets with the Elk’s Lodge in Joplin, where he was a member, or just listening and offering guidance and counsel as a friend, he was never too busy. Jim also loved watching NASCAR and being outdoors. 

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ellen Curtis, his mother, Elaine Curtis, his children, Jim Curtis and wife Tracy of Joplin and Chrissy McKee and husband Ryan of Webb City; grandchildren, Holly Curtis, Colton McKee, Braden McKee, Cody Webb and wife Krista; great grandchildren, Ryan Wait and Emma and Lilly Webb; sisters, Patty Northrop and husband Dr. Fred Northrop and Karen Wright and husband Ed. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Curtis, daughter, Kelly Jo Curtis and brother, Tom Curtis. 

Memorial Services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin with Pastor Aaron Brown officiating. He will be placed in a Columbarium at Mt. Hope Cemetery after a private family service. 

In Remembrance of Jim, donations can be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation or to St Paul's United Methodist Church, in care of Simpson Funeral Home.