Jim Wild

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

James “Jim” Herman Wild, 88, of Sarcoxie, MO, passed away Friday morning, August 11, 2017.

Jim was born October 7, 1928, in Sarcoxie, to the union of the late Allen J. and Haidee Elaine (Herman) Wild. Jim was a 1946 graduate of Sarcoxie High School and attended the University of Missouri. Jim and his family owned and operated the third generation Gilbert H. Wild and Son Nursery, which grew peonies, daylilies and irises sold throughout the world. The family also enjoyed traveling.

Jim was a pioneer in the Appaloosa horse breed. In 1956, the Flying “W” Appaloosa Ranch was founded after Jim bought his first mare. Over the next 61 years, the Appaloosa breed witnessed the growth of a horse operation that produced winners and became a legacy in the Appaloosa world. Numerous champion horses have been bred, trained, and shown at the local, state and national horse shows. The famous stallion, “Wapiti,” one of the top sires in the nation, began the legacy of the ranch.

In 1996, Jim was inducted into the Appaloosa Horse Club Hall of Fame, which recognizes the unique contributions and positive impact individual people and horses have made for the organization. Several of Jim’s horses (Wapiti, Maid’s Dream, and Andrew’s Centerfold) have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Jim enjoyed raising horses, watching the horses being shown, and seeing the new crop of foals each spring. He will be missed by the Appaloosa horse breeding and horse show industry.

Jim is also a past board member of the Appaloosa Youth Foundation and volunteered at the Sarcoxie Nursing Center.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley Gene Wild. Jim is survived by a host of friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Wild will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at the Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home, Sarcoxie, MO, with Pastor Don Sullivan officiating. Burial will follow in the Sarcoxie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, at the funeral home.

Those honoring his life as pallbearers are Jade Jennett, Jared Jennett, David Jackson, Duane Strong, Ron Gatlin, and Ben Pinkley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Royce Football Stadium “Inch at a Time” in care of the funeral home. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.