James O. Hillsman, 94, of Centerview, Mo., died Monday, April 21, at Country Club Care Center in Warrensburg, Mo.

Jim was born Nov. 4, 1919, in Vernon County, Mo., near Schell City, the son of William Albert Hillsman and Edna Florence (Endicott) Hillsman. Following graduation from Schell City High School, he enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp, having served as a radio gunner on a B-17 during World War II. James married Ruby Kohler in 1938 in Deep Water, Mo., and to this union three children were born: James (Jimmy), Donald and William. He would later marry Mildred (Wilson) Lockard in 1966 in Bolivar, Mo. In March 1999, he married Juanita Bird in Warrensburg. James was employed with Lake City Army Ammunition Plant for 26 years, retiring in 1975. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, Conservation Federation of Missouri and Civil Conservation Corps. 

Survivors include two sons: Donald Allen Hillsman and wife, Teresa, of Warrensburg; and William Albert Hillsman and wife, Marilyn, of Warrensburg; two step-sons James Lockard and wife, Reba; and Wayne Lockard; and step-daughter Ann Ludlum and husband, Dan; step-son Billy Marshall and wife, Lyla; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; step great-grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, James (Jimmy) Hillsman; his three wives; a granddaughter, Tamara Jayne Hillsman Swigart; his stepdaughter Sally Canseco; his stepson Jerry Lockard; his two sisters, Twila Rose Brown and Annabelle Hillsman; and his three brothers, Clarence Hillsman, Clark Hillsman and Clyde Hillsman.