Pearson Jim (19 Jun 1933-12 Feb 2007) Obituary

Pearson Jim (19 Jun 1933-12 Feb 2007) attended Hillcrest High School in Springfield, MO. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Pearson Jim (19 Jun 1933-12 Feb 2007).

Graduation Year	Faculty
Date of Passing	Feb 12, 2007
About	"Coach" Jim Pearson, 73, of Springfield, Mo., went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 19, 1933. in Springfield, Mo. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 50 years, Barbara; a son, Byron Pearson, and his wife, Lisa, of Springfield; two daughters, Cindi Hughes, and her husband, Ken, of Springfield, and Christy Meehan, and her husband, Ron, of Woodstock, Ga.; six grandchildren, Ashley and Rachel Pearson, Konrad and Corey Hughes, and Jessica and James Meehan. Jim was a football coach and teacher for over 30 years in the Springfield Public School system. He was assistant coach at Hillcrest from 1961-71, and became head coach of Kickapoo from 1971-90. He was also the golf coach at Kickapoo, then Parkview and Glendale through the years. He was still coaching golf when he learned of his illness. Jim was not just a coach, he truly cared for his players and treated them like his own. He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and helped share the gospel with area athletes. He served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps for two years. After his retirement from coaching football, Jim enjoyed playing golf and attending Kickapoo football games. He was a member of South Haven Baptist Church and was very active where he served as a deacon. He led an active role in helping his son's business grow by handing out "Pearson Mints." He was a wonderful husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family, but only for a short time when there will be a reunion in heaven. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at South Haven Baptist Church, with Dr. JR Duncan and Rev. Paul Swadley officiating under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Friday. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday in South Haven Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Jim Pearson Scholarship Fund in care of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 940 N. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65802, or to South Haven Baptist Church, 2353, S. Campbell, Springfield, MO 65807. [Source: Spfd News Leader dated: February 15, 2007]