James Niswonger

James Woodrow "Woody" Niswonger, 89, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011, at his home in Blue Springs, Mo.

He was born May 29, 1921, in Kurreville, Mo., son of Givens O. and Rada Niswonger. He and Mary Belle Ford were married April 5, 1942, in Jackson. She preceded him in death Nov. 25, 2001.

Niswonger graduated from Jackson High School, where he was captain of the football and basketball teams.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army June 7, 1943, and was honorably discharged Dec. 24, 1945, as a staff sergeant. He served his country in the Pacific Theater.

Niswonger moved his family to Cape Girardeau in 1957 and worked for American Optical as a manager more than 20 years. He also worked at the Southeast Missourian and Tom Meyer Realty. He came full circle and retired from Eye Consultants in 1983.

He was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

Loving survivors include two daughters, Donna McClain and Nancy Gerecke (Bob) of Blue Springs; five grandchildren, Robin Drum of Cape Girardeau, Julie Upchurch of Scott City, Rob, Dave and Bryan Gerecke, all of Blue Springs; nine great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years; a great-granddaughter; three brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating.

Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park with military rites by Missouri Honor Guard and VFW Post 3838.

Pallbearers will be Rob, Dave and Bryan Gerecke, Doug and Don Niswonger, and Kevin Upchurch.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Niswonger Church Cemetery Fund.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.