Skip to content

James K. Withers

JamesWithers of Wayland, MO, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the age of 71 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Waldo Russell Withers, Sr.; his mother, Ruth Harrelson Withers; and his older brother, Waldo Russell Withers, Jr.
Jim is survived by his wife and best friend Pam and his step mother-in-law, Betty Kelly of Lubbock, TX. Surviving members of his family include his brothers and sister Richard K. Withers of Cape Girardeau, MO, William J. Withers and wife Viki of Mobile, AL and Lindi Janes of Cape Girardeau, MO along with brothers and sisters-in-law: Gary Kelly of Mineral Wells, TX, Brenda Goyne and husband Bernie of Lubbock, TX, and Tim Kirby and wife Shirley of New Deal, TX. Jim is also survived by his son Kristopher K. Sipes of Dallas, TX and step-children Brandi Frederick of LaBelle, MO; Chris Sparks and wife Michelle of Odessa, TX and Michael Sparks of Colorado along with his grandchildren; Krista Sipes, Rylan Martin, Olivia Clement and Evan, Bethany and Drew Sparks as well as nieces and nephews; Dana Withers, Dan Janes, Nick Janes, David Corbit, Devin Corbit, Richard K. Withers and Joseph Withers.
Jim was born June 27, 1944 in Cape Girardeau, MO graduating from Central High School in Cape in 1962 and graduated a member of Sigma Chi from SEMO in 1966. Jim was a consummate business man his entire life building relationships throughout Missouri, Illinois, Iowa and Oklahoma with ownership and partnerships in a variety of businesses including being a restauranteur and family recreation park owner, commercial real estate development, business data processing services, business phone and paging services company, owner of WEIC radio in Charleston, IL and he was an early pioneer in cellular communications. Jim also served as a marketing and project director for a large dental firm and radio stations KGMO, KOKX, KRNQ, WCEZ as well as a gifted voice talent in television and radio ads broadcasted in Missouri, Illinois and Oklahoma. Jim was a patient consultant and was instrumental in developing speech protocols for laryngectomy patients and he was also Midwest sales manager for Lenco/Link Electronics. Jim ended his career producing television programs on WTJR including “Lightning Strykes” in association with Francis Ministries. Jim was involved with a variety of organizations including membership in the Chamber of Commerce for various locations, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Fez Club, Shriners, the Keokuk Airport Commission, Advisory Board for Southeast Missouri Regional Airport and the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army.
Jim was raised in the Christian Science faith and was an active participant of Maranatha House of Worship. He spent his time in Christian Counseling, was active in Christ Vision, and in sharing his faith with others. In his free time, he was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka, MO with Rev. Paul M. Smith officiating and reader,Hannah DeVries.

Special music was provided by Donette Douglas, vocalist with selections “In the Garden” and “There’s Something About That Name”.

Cremation followed. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Frazee Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Pam Withers.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.