James "Jimmie" Leland Beckner

James Leland Beckner (Jimmie) passed from this lifetime on March 25, 2018. He was 79 years of age. He was at home with his adoring wife and children by his side until his very last breath. He was born in Buffalo, MO on March 3, 1939 and moved from town to town with his mother, Thelma Irene Flanagan Beckner and his older sister, Jean Bennett while his father Aaron Farris Beckner served in the Navy during WWII. Soon after his return, the Beckner family purchased a farm on H Highway and Jimmie began attending Buffalo High School as a Junior. He loved and excelled at basketball. Jimmie and his Bison teammates claimed third place at the state tournament and the Springfield Tournament of Champions, they won consecutive conference championships, first place in the Buffalo Invitational Tournament, and first place in the Gold Division of the greenwood Tournament to name a few. While in school, Jimmie met Mary Louise Shewmaker. They fell in love and planned their future over the next five years. They were married April 12th, 1959 at the First Baptist Church in Buffalo. They were blessed with a daughter, Rebecca Louise Beckner of Orlando, Florida and a son, James Leland Beckner, II of Buffalo, Missouri. Jimmie was a direct descendant of Levi and Daniel Beckner, his family has lived in Dallas County for seven generations. Jimmie trained as a welder in Cleveland, Ohio and worked for the Shewmaker Motor Company on the square until it closed in 1969. Jimmie continued as a car dealer and operated a wrecker service, eventually building his own shop. In 1970, he began delivering the Springfield News-Leader. Rain or shine, Jimmie ran his route for 21 years. He and Mary Lou were co-founders/owners of Parish-Beckner Funeral Home. They both fondly remember helping others through the ambulance service. Jimmie was Dallas County Public Administrator for twelve years and served one term as Coroner. He was proud to say Dallas County had no unsolved homicides while he held that office. He was a fixture at Buffalo City Hall as Mayor on two occasions and several terms as an Alderman. He showcased his talent for carpentry as chief set-builder for Buffalo Little Theater in the 70’s and the Buffalo High School Drama productions from 1984-2005. Jimmie volunteered to MC the Miss Dallas County and Little Miss pageants for two decades. He was a beloved baseball/softball coach, separately guiding each of his children and his nephew’s teams to championship seasons. With Mary Lou he sponsored yearly student trips to Spain and Mexico, forging many life-long friendships. They both strongly believed in tradition. Every Memorial Day would find them assembling boxes of fresh flowers to decorate the headstones of friends and family. Jim Beckner Motors frequently lent parts and support to area stock car drivers and he enjoyed going to the races on summer evenings. Jimmie managed to take his family on vacation every year his children were in school. He was a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan and he cheered through thick and thin for the Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears Basketball teams. Jimmie imparted understanding, taught us about devotion and honor, and he always led by example. His family never wanted for a Father or Husband. Jimmie is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Beckner; his 2 children, Rebecca (Rayna) Beckner and James Beckner; one brother, Joe (Karina) Beckner of Lee Summit, MO; one sister, Linda (Tom) Jarrett of Carl Junction, MO; one cousin, Larry Beckner; one aunt Dean Beckner; one half-brother, Bruce Beckner of Honduras; one half-sister, Kelly (Virgil) Rader of Marshfield, MO; and his shop kitty, Tire Baby and a much loved Maltese named Orbit. He also leaves many friends behind who will all truly miss him.

James "Jimmie" Leland Beckner

March 3, 1939 - March 25, 2018