Nobody who met Jim Courtney ever forgot him. He once sneaked into Bob Hope's penthouse suite and visited with the comedian for over an hour.
Years later, he was at a Vegas show with clients, and Hope recognized Jim in the crowd.
James Courtney was born October 21, 1942, to Joan and Charles Courtney. His family lived in Greenfield, MO during his early childhood, but moved to
Lamar during his early school years, where he became a teenage track star
They moved to Joplin during his junior year, where his sports career continued. At one point he held the boys' 400 meter hurdles record for Missouri. He played football and ran track for Joplin Junior College and for PSU, where he received his BSEd.
He detoured into sales for O'Sullivan Industries, Enesco, Hallmark, and Revlon. He then taught elementary art and coached football for Joplin R-8.
After serving with Habitat for Humanity for a number of years, he became one of the founders of
Hearts and Hammers. After he retired from R-8, he did a lot of kitchen/bathroom remodels, and worked for very low rates or for no profit at all.
He was never happier than when he was helping someone.
He served in a number of different churches in missions and on kitchen teams, including St. Paul's United Methodist, Faith Assembly, New Creation, and Diamond United Methodist.
He leaves behind wife Ann, ex-wife Joyce, and children Brad Courtney, Joplin, granddaughters Allison and Erika, Kathy Courtney, Joplin, granddaughter Haley, daughter Kelly Davis (Joey), Webb City, granddaughters Teagan and Jadyn, daughter Kayla Henderson (Nick), Webb City, grandchildren Olive, Owen, and Hazel, and daughter Alyssa Farney (Morgan).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Pittsburg State University's Teaching and Leadership Scholarship Foundation. A memorial service will be held in the spring.
***
We were married for over 21 years and the first time we really talked was at a Super Bowl Party at St. Paul's 22 years ago. He was larger than life. He was my best friend in the whole world and I miss him so much. Thank you for your help in celebrating his life.
Ann Courtney
I remember Jimmy Courtney from Greenfield Missouri Grade School. During our second grade year there we always tied in our footraces as we ran across the tennis court. We could neither beat the other. We were both the champs of second grade class. The last time I saw Jimmy was at outdoor state in the spring of 1962, it was at a track meet held for all Missouri junior colleges in Lexington, Missouri. Jimmy ran hurdles and pole vaulted for Joplin Juco. I was a quarter miler for School of the Ozarks Juco. It was good to Jimmy again those years ago. There are people in life you remember. And Jimmy was one.
ReplyDeleteWithout realizing it, I apparently sent the above comment without attaching my name!
ReplyDelete