John E. Heuser, Jr. of St. James, Missouri passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the St. James Living Center. He was 87 years of age.

John, the son of the late John E. Heuser, Sr. and Amelia Elizabeth (Sewell) Sellers, was born October 31, 1937 in Farmer City, Illinois. He was united in marriage to Veronica Sue Welch in 1958; she entered into death on December 17, 1963.  He was united in marriage to Shirley C. Gann in 1971; she entered into death on February 2, 1991. Later in life, he enjoyed a special friendship with Irene Parsons; she entered into death on August 31, 2018.

John is survived by sons: John Earl Heuser (Dawn) of Cook Station, Missouri and Jim Heuser (Sandy) of Steelville, Missouri; daughters, Janice Achterberg of Oklahoma and Judy Ramsey (Gerald) of Sullivan, Missouri; brother, William Heuser (Josefina) of California; sister, Henrietta Sisk of Peoria, Illinois; sister-in-law, Cathy Heuser of St. James, Missouri; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Gann; his special friend, Irene Parsons; son, Doug Szczuka; and brother, Doyle Pete Heuser.

John lived a life rich in hard work, dedication, and a deep love for the land he called home. John spent most of his working life as a logger and an over-the-road truck driver. His commitment to his work was matched only by his passion for the simple joys of life. John found immense satisfaction in living on his farm, where he cherished the beauty of nature and the satisfaction of a hard day's work. He took great pride in maintaining his property, often seen brush hogging the fields or tinkering with his beloved lawnmowers and tractors.

A true mechanic at heart, John had a knack for fixing all kinds of equipment. He was known for his resourcefulness, saving every old, worn-out piece of machinery, truck, or motor, believing that one day, it might just provide the perfect part for a future repair. His friends and family often joked that he was a "jack of all trades and a master of none," but to those who knew him, he was a master of ingenuity and perseverance.

John's skills extended beyond mechanics; he was an old-school carpenter who could drive a bent nail straight into a piece of oak lumber with ease. His hands, calloused from years of labor, were a testament to his dedication and craftsmanship. He took pride in every project he undertook, whether it was building a fence or repairing a neighbor's equipment.

John's legacy is one of hard work, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. He leaves behind treasure's only a true piddler would appreciate and a family who will forever cherish the memories of his laughter, his stories, and his unwavering support. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of hard work and the joy of simple living.

John Heuser will lie in state at 9:00-11:00 AM Friday, May 2, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri allowing friends and family to pay their respects and celebrate his life

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday May 2, 2025 at the Jones Funeral Home with Stephen Brubaker officiating. Pallbearers will be Zack Achterberg, Zane Achterberg, Zhack Heuser, John Earl Heuser, Shane Achterberg and Steven Achterberg. Burial will be in the family plot at the Rolla Cemetery in Rolla, Missouri. Memorial donations may be given to the Phelps Health Hospice or the St. James Living Center Patient Fund.

Condolences may be entered at the funeral home website  www.jonesfunerals.com

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

Phelps Health Hospice
1500 Hwy 72, Rolla, MO 65401
Tel: 1-573-364-2425
Web: http://https://phelpshealth.org/conditions-treatments/phelps-health-homecare-and-hospice/hospice

St. James Living Center Patient Fund
415 Sidney Street, St. James MO 65559
Tel: 1-573-265-8921
Web: http://stjameslivingcenter.com