Visitation will be on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Community United Methodist Church, 3301 W Broadway, Columbia, MO. Memorial service will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Rev. Curtis Olsen officiating.
James was born on Easter, April 21,1935 on the family farm the son of Chester Boone Royer and Irene Geneva (Moore) Royer. He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1953. James attended college at the University of Arkansas from 1953 to 1957 where he met his future wife, Carol Lorene Sims, of Lonoke, Arkansas. They were married on September 8, 1957.
James (Jim) spent 40 years employed by Shelter Insurance (MFA Insurance) retiring in 2000 at the age of 65. His career culminated as Director of Training, where he enjoyed meeting agents from all over the U.S. and making lifelong friends.
He was a member of Community United Methodist Church for more than 50 years where he was involved in every aspect of church life: teaching Sunday School, ushering, serving on nearly every committee, and lending a helping hand wherever he was needed.
He enjoyed traveling internationally, satisfying his curiosity to see the world and meet new people. He was a lifelong learner who loved reading, photography, fishing, watercolor, collecting fine art, growing unusual plants and eating great food.
But he will be remembered most for his hospitality and welcoming nature. His sense of humor and easy going manner made all who met him feel important. He left his mark on the lives of a vast number of people from all walks of life. In them his story lives on.
James took great pride in his family and was actively involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He delighted in amusing them and was aptly nicknamed “Silly Papa.”
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lorene, of Columbia, Missouri; three children, Leslie Carol Adams (Mark) of Overland Park, KS, Lori Elizabeth Swetnam (Randy) of Belton, MO, and James Jeffrey Royer (Karly) of Ferndale, MI; nine grandchildren: Elizabeth, Sarah (John), Benjamin, Andrew, Emily, Sam, Anna, Luke and Audrey; eight great-grandchildren: Issac, Debbie, Claire, Byron, Ian, Madeline, Charlotte and Michael; two sisters, Mary Lou McCracken and Wilma Smith of Monett, MO, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Royer, and grandson Joel Swetnam.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community United Methodist Church, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202.
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