James "Jim" A. Drescher

James "Jim" A Drescher, age 86, of Palmyra, MO passed away at 12:34 am Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at Hannibal Regional Hospital.

Due to the uprise of Covid cases in our area and for the safety of the family and community, the memorial service and visitation planned for James Drescher on Friday, September 25, 2020, from 4:00 ~ 5:00 PM at Clemens field has been postponed.

Private family graveside service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020, in Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.

Jim was born on September 9, 1933, in Hannibal, MO the son of  Henry F. and  Vera B. (Johnston) Drescher. He was united in marriage to Laurie Shade on August 9, 1970.  She preceded him in death on October 12, 1985.

Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Dugan (Terry); sons, James Henry Drescher, Kent Drescher (Karen); step-son, Scott Shade (Tara); grandchildren, Taylor, Madeline, Joe, Ryan, Reed, Jaime, Meghan, Matthew, Caleb, Clayton, Rye, and Wyatt; special friend, Cathy Akright; and several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

Mr. Drescher was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, Johnston Drescher; sisters, Betsy Breitling, Janet Lyon and daughter, Dana Ruth Poage.

Jim graduated from Hannibal High School in the class of 1950.  Upon graduation, Jim served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

From an early age, Jim worked on his family's farm raising grain and livestock and later becoming the owner of the farm. Jim was also a carpenter, worked in the fertilizer business as an employee as well as an owner.  Most recently, Jim drove a school bus for over 25 years for the Palmyra school district. Jim pitched fast-pitch softball for teams in LaGrange and Hannibal for many seasons.  He also managed and umpired for several years after retiring from pitching. Jim enjoyed traveling and playing cards.

Jim was a member of  First Presbyterian Church in Palmyra where he served as deacon. He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion Boots-Dixon Post 174.

Honorary Pallbearers: Leon Perry, Devin Perry, Danny Christy, Splinter Hoehne, Mike Pontius, Reuben Leffler, David Knorr, Dudley Gibson, Donnie Keller, Craig Elsner, Butch Brown, Joe Miller, Alan Hinds, Glenn Griesbaum, and Grant Hess

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Palmyra W. Church & S. Dickerson, Palmyra, MO, 63461 , in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Jim's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com.