James M. Lazure

James Matthew “Jim” Lazure, 68, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born January 28, 1955, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of James J. and Kathleen M. (Fitzgerald) Lazure.  He departed this life and passed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 7, 2023.

Jim was a 1973 Neosho High School graduate where he was a standout football player and was awarded All-Conference Linebacker his senior year.  He graduated from the Missouri University at Columbia in 1977 earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  He formed lifelong friendships during his time at MU.

In 1981 he was united in marriage to Debbie Mooers in Neosho and to this union two sons David and Matthew were born; they later divorced.  On October 22, 2010, he was united in marriage to Lori A. (McIntosh) Potts in Harrisonville, Missouri.

He led a successful career in production management landing his first job at his father’s chicken plant with the dreadful task of killing chickens on the line for $35 per week.  Fortunately, Jim later moved into a management position.  After his father sold his plant to Tyson Foods, he continued to work in production management for the company.  He later went on to manage the Ash Grove Cement Company plants in Fort Smith, Arkansas and Harrisonville, Missouri.

Jim was always ready with a quick-witted pun, took pleasure in traveling, golfing, scuba diving, and following football-particularly college football.  Most importantly he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  Once president of the Neosho’s Little League he found great joy in coaching his sons in baseball.  When asked about his favorite memory in life, he proudly recalled raising his boys.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Lori of the home; two sons, David (and Kathryn) Lazure of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Matthew Lazure of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandsons, Camden Lazure and Lucas Lazure, both of Neosho, Missouri; three brothers, John Lazure of Joplin, Missouri, David (and Angela) Lazure of Houston, Texas, and Daniel (and Vicki) Lazure of Neosho; two sisters, Julie (and Robert) Mansur of Tulsa, Oklahoma and  Carol (and Joseph) Shields of Wimberley, Texas; six nieces and two nephews; other relatives and family friends.

Our hearts are heavy with the loss of your earthly presence, but because of your relationship with Christ we shall meet again in our Heavenly home-for whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life- John 3:16.

Cremation has been accorded.

Visitation and a celebration of Jim’s life was held Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the funeral home.  Reverend Wyatt Shanks officiated. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Croix Hospice and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.Stanley-Edenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550