James “Jim” Andrew Niermeyer, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, at his home in St. Cloud, Florida. Jim was born on August 1, 1944, in Sedalia, Missouri, to Andrew and Mariana Niermeyer, of Syracuse.
Shortly after graduating Tipton High School, Jim joined the US Marine Corps in 1962 and was sent on numerous missions during the Vietnam War until 1968. He proudly served his country, earning the rank of Sergeant E5 and many honors and commendations, including a Purple Heart. After his military service, he returned to Jefferson City, Missouri, and worked for the Missouri State Highway Patrol for over thirty years. During his career, he worked his way into radio and communications, serving in several positions, including Tower and Antenna Technician and Chief Technical Engineer, a position which he held at his retirement in 2000. He was a man who always took on far more than what was expected of him and strove for excellence in every endeavor in life. A graduate of Linn Technical College in Linn, Missouri, he also attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra “Sandy” (Crawford) Niermeyer. They would have been married fifty years later this month. Jim and Sandy were residents of Jefferson City, Missouri, from the time they married in 1976 until 2002, at which time they retired in St. Cloud, Florida. While living in Jefferson City, Jim was an active member of Roscoe Enloe Post 5 American Legion and remained a member until his death. To keep busy in retirement, he worked part-time at a local golf course in St. Cloud for several years. He had a lifelong love of golf, which he often enjoyed sharing with many friends and family.
Collectively, Jim and Sandy had four children between them, Dana (Greg) Pike, Chris (JoAnn) Niermeyer, Russell (Regina) Niermeyer, and Tracie Bertelli. He was grandfather to eight grandchildren, Logan (Carl) Padgett, KoriJo (Koddie) Schumaker, Allen Niermeyer, Alexandra (Darryn) Bahn, Joshua Pike, Alyson Niermeyer, Andrea Bertelli and Joseph Bertelli. He had seven great grandchildren, Korbin Schumaker, Jack Padgett, Kylinn Schumaker, Luke Padgett, Kaydlee Schumaker, Tate Padgett, and Harlee Bahn. Jim is also survived by one brother, Michael Niermeyer of Jefferson City. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as a sister, Kathy (Jeff) Graf, and two brothers, Bill (Kay) Niermeyer and Scott Niermeyer.
Jim chose to have his remains cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life for family in the coming weeks.
