Johnie Leo Shoemate of St. James, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at his home.   He was 87 years of age. Johnie, the son of the late Raymond Earl and Ethel (Peterman) Shoemate, was born May 3, 1937 at the homeplace in rural St. James.  Johnie spent his childhood growing up on the family farm that has been in the Shoemate family for three generations.  On December 7, 1962, Johnie married the love of his life, Hazel Lorrain Ness.  He and Hazel began their married life living on the old homeplace; they raised their family and continued living there for all 61 years of their marriage. Johnie is survived by his wife, Hazel of St. James, Missouri; two sons, John Wilson Shoemate and wife, Cheryl Gwen of Republic, Missouri and Randall Kieth Shoemate and wife, Angela Diane of St. Clair, Missouri; one daughter, Lisa Kaye McCarthy and husband, Keith Joseph of St. James, Missouri; six grandchildren; Michelle Long, Marty Ramsey, Patrick McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy, Cassidy Fedderson, and Gavin Shoemate; and five great-grandchildren; Annabell Gerhardt-Hobbs, Mylee Ramsey, Briar Hobbs, Blaine Long, and Hunter Long. He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Earl and Ethel Shoemate; brother Carl Shoemate and wife Grace Shoemate; sister Ilean Jones and husband Albert Jones; sister Ruth Atkins and husband Robert Atkins. After serving in the army for two years at Fort Benning, Georgia, Johnie worked in the preparation department for the United States Geological Survey from which he retired after 32 years. After retirement, he volunteered numerous hours every week for over 20 years at the St. James Caring Center. Johnie's true passion was taking care of the family farm where he raised cattle.  He greatly enjoyed working outdoors and passed that appreciation on to his children. He attended the St. James United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 13, 2024 with Pastor Alecia Fischer officiating.  Pallbearers will be Patrick McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy, Gavin Shoemate, Luke Fedderson, David Bell, and Phil Branstetter.  Honorary pallbearers will be Marty Long and Marty Ramsey.  Burial will be in Asher Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Phelps Health Hospice. Online condolences may be entered at jonesfunerals.com Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

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