James W. Temple, RIP
James W. Temple, my father, died tonight of heart and lung issues. He was 84.
In many ways, my dad was a simple man. He was a husband, father and grandfather, small businessman, and a veteran.
He did what he was supposed to do, when he was supposed to do it, and expected others to do the same.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and always rooted for the underdog.
In many ways he was a shy man, but between his smile, his piercing blue eyes, and his sense of humor, he could light up a room.
He served in the elite 10th Mountain Division in World War II. The men of the 10th Mountain Division were light infantry ski troops that fought the Germans in the rugged conditions of the Apennine Mountains of Italy.
My father always said others had it rougher. Historians say the 10th Mountain boys had it plenty rough.
For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Because of a mild stroke in early 1993, Dad was unable to attend the inauguration in Jefferson City. He took great pride in the fact that the first phone call Governor Mel Carnahan made from the Governor's desk after his swearing in ceremony was to Dad to say that he had been missed.
He is survived by Ruth Temple, his wife of 51 years. He is also survived by 3 daughters, Debbie Mueller of St. Louis, Kathy Scott of Puxico, and Michelle Thomason, also of Puxico. He has 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
He died in Dexter Memorial Hospital, where he spent his last week surrounded by his wife and four children.
He was cracking jokes until the medicine would no longer permit it.
Arrangements will be through Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.
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An honorable man
Southeast Missouri was enriched by James W. Temple. The pain from the passing of this wonderful man is only made bearable by his wonderful legacy.
A Fine Man and Fellow Democrat
Roy and Family...With my sincere regards in the passing of your father/husband/grandpa. My memories of Jim go all the way back to my early childhood. I will never forget the memories of going into his business by the barbershop on Main Street as a kid, but mostly I will never forget the conversations he, Ruth and myself have had over these past years. Those conversations basically began in the 1985 campaign year and have continued since. I will deeply miss dropping by to have coffee with him at his table and getting his take on political happenings, although I never doubted where his stand would be.
Another fond memory was the few years after his retirement before his stroke that he worked part time for dad...what a debate team for Democrat Principles they made!!
Let us never forget the values they taught us as we each step into our place in their generation.
Gods speed,
Jeff Holloway
My heartfelt sympathy
Roy, My family and I extent our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
It is always difficult to lose a close family member, but with the help of friends, you can make it through it.
Sincerely,
Dave Rust
Thinking of You
You write with a heavy heart, but much insight:
"[My father] did what he was supposed to do, when he was supposed to do it, and expected others to do the same. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and always rooted for the underdog."
. . . Mr. Temple instilled those same traits in his family and, by so doing, his life inspires yet another generation.
May God comfort and bless you and your fine family.
Our thoughts
Roy:
I'm sure I speak for all of your friends when we express our sincere sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cronos.