James J. Jura

James J. Jura, a man of profound faith, distinguished professional leader, and devoted family man, passed away on March 18, 2026 at the age of 83 in Mission Hills, Kansas. Jim was an upstanding, kind, and generous soul who was known as much for his integrity as for his professional brilliance.

A Life of Faith and Family

Above all his achievements, Jim was defined by his deep Christian faith. His life was a testament to his beliefs, guided by a spirit of service and kindness. He was a pillar of strength for his family, known for his steadfast devotion to his wife, Sylvia, and his role as a deeply family-oriented father, grandfather and brother. Whether navigating complex policy in Washington, D.C., or leading major organizations, his primary motivation was always the well-being and happiness of those he loved.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Character

Beyond his formal titles, Jim was an incredible mentor and friend to many. He was a "decent human being" in the truest sense of the phrase; he was someone who led with humility and intent. He had a unique ability to provide guidance that was both wise and deeply meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on the lives and careers of everyone he touched.

Military Service

Jim was a proud veteran who served his country with honor. He enlisted in the military on June 8, 1962. It was during his time in the military that his superiors took note of his exceptional skill with numbers. That identification would define the trajectory of his entire professional life. He was honorably discharged on May 31, 1968.

Professional Leadership and Public Service

Jim’s career was marked by visionary leadership in the energy sector. He served for 25 years as the Chief Executive Officer of Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Springfield, Missouri, from 1991 until 2016. Under his leadership, the cooperative experienced historic growth, with operating revenues increasing by 147% to $1.2 billion and total assets rising to $3.1 billion. His tenure was characterized by financial stability and excellence, earning prestigious bond ratings from S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s.

Before his time in Missouri, Jim held significant leadership roles with the Bonneville Power Administration in the Pacific Northwest. As CEO and Administrator from 1986 to 1991, he successfully restored access to public bond markets and restructured over $6 billion in debt, ensuring the regional energy future remained secure.

His earlier career included service in the Executive Office of the President under the Nixon and Ford administrations, where he shaped energy policy within the Office of Management and Budget. He also played a key role in the foundational years of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), helping to establish the agency’s staffing and policy frameworks. Jim began his professional journey with The Boeing Company, supporting the iconic 707, 727, and 747 aircraft programs.

Community and Education

Jim believed in giving back to the community and the industry that defined his career. He served on the boards of the Missouri Employers Mutual (MEM), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), and AEGIS Insurance Services. Locally, he was a dedicated advocate for education and business, serving as Chairman of both the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Public Schools Foundation.

A lifelong learner, Jim earned his BA from the University of Washington (1967) and his MBA from Seattle University (1971). He also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Graduate School of Business in 1983.

Family and Loved Ones

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia; his six children, Tanya Troger (Greg), Britt Jura (Amanda), James Jura Jr. (Jessica), John Jura (Nicole), Courtney Fadler (Ben) and Ericka Sowers (Tommy) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful brother to Chuck Jura, Dan Jura, and Kathy Dufek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Edna Jura.

His legacy of faith, family values, and professional excellence will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Services

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26 at 2 PM at Christ Community Church - Brookside Campus. Funeral services will immediately follow at 3 PM. Burial service will be held on Friday, March 27 at 1 PM at Springfield Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Good Samaritan Boys Ranch at PO Box 617, Brighton, Missouri, 65617, or online at https://ranchlife.org.