James Nevins

James Russell Nevins, 87 of Kirksville passed away Monday (April 22, 2019) at University Hospital in Columbia, MO. The son of Joseph Thomas and Mary Ila (Peterson) Nevins, he was born December 31, 1931 in Browning, MO. He was united in marriage to Laura Jean Green on August 28, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Browning.

Jim is survived by his children, Terry Nevins and wife Trina of Elko, NV; Mike Nevins and wife Sandy of New Port Richie, FL; Laura Bragg of Platte City, MO; and Russ Nevins and wife Lori of Lees Summit, MO; one brother, Donald Nevins and wife Lorraine of Red Oak, TX; one sister, Bonna Jo Tersch of Chicago, IL; thirteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Jean on December 12, 2014, his parents, and one grandson, Shaun Nevins.

Jim grew up in Browning, MO and graduated from the Browning High School. He graduated with his B.A. degree in 1957 and his M.A. in 1960, both from Northeast State Teachers College in Kirksville. Post graduate work was done at the University of MO-Columbia in City School Administration and Accounting. He served in the United States Army, stationed in Korea from August 19, 1952 until his honorable discharge on July 10, 1954.

Jim began his career as an educator in 1957 in Clarence, MO teaching Commerce and Business. He progressed to Principal and then Superintendent of the Clarence School System. After reorganization of the Clarence and Shelbina school system in February of 1964, Jim assumed overall Superintendent responsibilities for the newly formed South Shelby School System.

Jim served as Superintendent of the Shelby County School System until March of 1977 when he took the position of Business Manager at Northeast Missouri State University. Jim eventually retired from NMSU in 1993 as the Director of the Student Union.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Kirksville Noon Rotary Club, El Kadir Shrine Club, Adair Lodge #366 A.F. & A.M., Moila Temple, Truman State Alumni Association, MO Teachers Association, MO Retired Teachers Association and the American Legion.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working on his farm, community service and spending time with his family.

Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday (April 28, 2019) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday (April 29, 2019) at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Jenkins Cemetery, Browning, MO.

Pallbearers: Terry Nevins, Mike Nevins, Russ Nevins, Riley Nevins, Ron Gaber, and Jacob Noel.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church of Kirksville or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Please make donations payable to either charity and mail to Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home at 2100 E Shepherd Avenue, Kirksville, MO 63501