James "Jim" R. Gentry

James “Jim” R. Gentry, 75, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 2:27 PM Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 PM Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.  Pastor Joe Thrower will officiate.  Burial will be in the Grand View Burial Park.

Visitation celebrating Jim’s life will be held 12:30 until the time of the service Saturday at the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Jim was born on April 26, 1944, in Oakwood, MO the son of James C. and Edna B. (Murry) Gentry.

Survivors include a sister, Carla Williams of Independence, MO; special friends, Bud and Linda Purvis of New London, MO; cousin, Rita and Ken Keith of Hannibal, MO and several other cousins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Gentry was preceded in death by a half-brother, Bill Gentry.

Jim attended Hannibal High School and was a former factory worker in the Hannibal area.

Jim was an avid music lover and was a well known talented musician.  Mr. Gentry was a member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Oakwood, where he sang in the choir for over thirty years and frequently sang solo’s and accompanied himself with his guitar.

When time allowed, Jim enjoyed watching basketball and his all-time favorite player was “Pistol Pete Maravich”.  He also enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals and Mizzou Football.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prince Avenue Baptist Church, in care of the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

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

Prince Avenue Baptist Church