James Kenneth "Jim" Highfill of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of St. James, Missouri, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital-West in Wentzville, Missouri. He was 93 years of age.

Jim, the son of James Donovan and Nadine Barbara (Ray) Highfill, was born July 19, 1932 in Oxly, Missouri. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lois Ann Wolfe on June 6, 1954 in St. James, Missouri.

Jim is survived by his son, James N. Highfill and wife, Lisa of Lake St. Louis, Missouri; daughter, Beth Hamilton and husband, Ruan of Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren: James T. Highfill (Nicole Tischler), Hailey A. Kintz (Ben), Samuel D. Highfill (Dariann), Megan Cochran, and Lois Harris (Jon); and great-grandchildren: James M., Brooke E., Thomas T. and Luke D. Highfill; Harper L. and Zackary R. Kintz; Chloe, Emily, August, and Shelby Krause;  and Dillon Henson, Noah, Abel, and Bella Lenderman. Jim will be remembered also by the many friends he met through his careers, his many hours of volunteer work and within his beloved church for years to come.

Jim is preceded in death by his dear wife, Lois W. Highfill and his parents.

Jim enjoyed learning and giving back to his community and country. He pursued a lifetime career in the United States Army retiring as a Colonel. After retiring from the military, he and Lois returned to St. James where he taught Engineering Management at UMR for an additional 20 years.  He considered his most important role in life was being a husband, father, and grandfather. Gentleness, patience, and humility were words chosen by his daughter to describe how Jim approached the important responsibilities in his life. As well, his kindness and dedication to service were felt throughout his community. He served as a lay minister for the St. James United Methodist Church and fulfilled many roles within the St. James Kiwanis Club and the Learning Center. Visiting with Jim was a delight; the smile on his face was always an invitation to stop and catch up on the latest happenings. His sense of humor was full of wit--always being delivered with perfect timing. Jim was a wonderful friend to many.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM Monday, December 29, 2025 at the St. James Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, December 29, 2025 at the St. James Methodist Church. Burial with Full Military Honors will be at the St. James Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the St. James Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

St. James United Methodist Church
149 W Church St, St. James MO 65559
Tel: 1-573-265-8859