James Calhoun Jr.

James Arthur "Jim" Calhoun Jr., 65, of Crocker, Mo., departed this life suddenly Thursday, March 4, 2010, at his home.

He was born Nov. 10, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, son of James Arthur and Florence Elizabeth Owens Calhoun Sr. He and Judy Katherine Smith were married Oct. 22, 1967, at Crocker, and to this union two daughters were born.

Jim was a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a fire marshal and firefighter. His Army career included service in Korea, Germany, Alaska and during the Vietnam War.

He was a member of VFW Post 4956 of Crocker. Jim enjoyed NASCAR, electronics, photography, playing the guitar and his beloved cat, Button.

Those left to mourn the passing of Jim include his wife, Judy Calhoun of the home; his mother, Florence Calhoun of Scott City; two daughters, Michele Shelton and friend, Carl Schrier, and Amanda Calhoun and friend, Joe Neighbors, all of Crocker; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Marsha and Butch Dohogne of Scott City, Debbie and Larry Kern of Cape Girardeau, Kimberly and Greg Shambo of Greenview, Ill.; two grandchildren, Brittany Shelton and Brooklyn Neighbors; family friend, Brittany's father, Stacey Shelton; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and infant twin sisters.

Jim was a man who loved his family, and his family loved him.

Funeral service was held March 8 at Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home in Crocker, with Billy Claiborn of Hilltop Christian Union Church in Crocker officiating. Interment was in Crocker Cemetery with full military honors.

The funeral procession was escorted by Crocker Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and U.S. Army personnel served as pallbearers.

Memorials are suggested by the family to the ASPCA or local animal shelter.

Announcement courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.