James Zaerr

In the quiet morning hours of Monday, November 28th, James “Jim” Zaerr returned to the loving arms of his adoring wife, Rita Zaerr, as he shared in the celestial light of his savior, Jesus Christ, after imparting his family, friends, co-workers, and community with a life that reflected the glory of God. Born to James and Dorothy Zaerr on December 20th 1944, Jim shared 78 wonderful years with us. Better than most, he walked in the unity of the experience of God and the experience of life, leveraging the efficacy of faith, hope, and love to make his time among us a meaningful journey defined by love. His love was as carefully crafted as the woodworking he completed in his shop or the flyfishing he enjoyed in the river; but not even his craftsmanship could compare to the rich and transcendent love he shared with Rita Zaerr. Married on June 9th of 1973, Jim and Rita experienced life’s greatest adventures: starting and owning a business, raising three boys, exploring the country with their grandchildren, and offering their time to the church. Though she has been gone from his side for nearly two years, Rita was never gone from Jim’s mind. For those who have known him and those who love him, Jim will never be far from our minds. He is survived by four sons who have been inspired by his life: Doug Zaerr of Kansas City, MO; Lance R. Zaerr, Sr. (Elizabeth Zaerr) of Tampa, FL; Curtis J. Zaerr of Springfield, MO; and Jeremy L. Zaerr of Kansas City, MO. He leaves behind two grandsons, who at young ages were tricked into pulling his finger: Lance Zaerr Jr (Brittney Zaerr) of Peoria, IL and Gavin Zaerr of Kansas City, MO; two granddaughters, who will always be princesses in his mind: Lacey Zaerr of Peoria, IL and Adyson Zaerr of Kansas City, MO; and 3 great-grandchildren: Kendall Hawkins, Khloe Hawkins, and Ava Zaerr of Peoria, IL, who will enjoy the vivid memories shared in the nostalgic tales of their great-grandpa. His most memorable and affable moments were when he was around those he loved. That is why you could always catch him with a smile at church. It is why he ate lunch at home nearly every day with his wife Rita. He loved hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas because his kids and grandkids would come back home, where Rita was cooking a seemingly endless menu of pies, casseroles, cookies, and desserts. All this is to say Jim Zaerr lived his life with the purpose of sharing love and in return was always surrounded by love. His funeral services will be held Friday, December 2nd at 1pm, at the Open Hearts United Methodist Church of Bolivar, MO.; with Pastor David Collum officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 1st from 5:00 PM - 7:00 P.M. at the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the Open Hearts United Methodist Church.

James Zaerr

December 20, 1944 - November 28, 2022