Jim Pierce

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Jim’s passing on May 17, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on August 23, 1954, in Bonne Terre, Jim was the beloved son of Romie Norman and Zelma Jewel (Graves) Pierce, both of whom preceded him in death.

Jim enjoyed numerous careers in his lifetime, starting off as a lifeguard, then moving on to Bar work, becoming the Bar Manager of The Hole in the Wall. He was one of the first paramedics in St Francois County, where his care and compassion were easily observed. He later worked at Anheuser Busch and Chrysler, before ill health forced him to move on. He spent many years as a self-employed Health Insurance Broker, widely known as ‘That Damned Ol’ Insurance Man’.

Jim was a true original – his real passion was connecting with people, and with his ready wit and huge grin, he never met a stranger.

He was a fan of the St Louis Cardinals and enjoyed cheering them on in his spare time, always with his precious fur babies pressed close against him.

For many years, Jim delivered meals on wheels for Park Hills Senior Center, refusing to give up, even though his health was failing. When he wasn’t delivering meals, he worked tirelessly raising funds for the Senior Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Sandra Payne.

Jim is survived by the love of his life Candice (Kettles) Pierce; two daughters, Lisa Bearden and husband David, Loryn Eastabrook; and stepson Nathan Bennett (Heather Ramsay); four grandchildren, Lindsey and Micheal Lowry, Lily and Sophia Eastabrook; sister, Linda Ray and husband David; brother-in-Law Larry Payne; nephew Brian Ray and three nieces, Terri Ray, Kristan Brady and Andrea Adams; fur babies Cissy and Pokey, along with many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at C. Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the funeral home from 9:00 AM until service time of 11:00 AM with Pastor Joshua Kennon officiating. Burial to follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. In view of funding cuts, the family would be overjoyed if you would donate to the Park Hills Senior Center 224 W. Main Street Park Hills, Missouri 63601 in Jim’s name.