Jim G. Shoemaker

Jim G. Shoemaker, 84, of Springfield, Mo. passed away Friday morning September 20, 2013 at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Mo. Born on October 1, 1928 in Batesville, Ark., he was the son of the late Abbott G. Shoemaker and Laura Elizabeth (Gibson) Shoemaker. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue (Sherrill) Shoemaker of Springfield, sister, Peggy Monroe of North Little Rock, Ark., sister-in-law, Jane Johnson of Ft. Smith, Ark., children James R. Shoemaker of Katy, Texas and William M. Shoemaker of Springfield, Mo., a grandson Derek A. Shoemaker of Philipsburg, Pa. and one great-grandchild. A grandson, Trevor A. Shoemaker, preceded him in death. Jim graduated from Batesville High School in 1945. He was a member of the 1945-46 University of Arkansas football team, and after service in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948 he returned to Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas) where he continued playing football and received his education degree in 1951. A lifelong educator and mentor, he received graduate degrees in education from the University of Missouri, and the University of Arkansas where he received his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in 1973. He served as a teacher an administrator in Hartville, Mo.; Aurora, Mo.; Neosho, Mo.; and Springfield, MO, where he was Director of Vocational Education at Graff Area Vocational Technical Center from 1980-1988. Jim was instrumental in the formation of Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield. For many years Jim was an avid beekeeper. He has taught and mentored many current beekeepers in Southwest Missouri, and most of these beekeepers became very good friends of his. Arrangements are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, Mo. No memorial service is being held at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crowder College Foundation at 601 Laclede, Neosho, Mo. 64850 or www.crowder.edu.