James “Jim” Timothy Maggard

James “Jim” Timothy Maggard, age 68, of Sparta, Missouri.

James “Jim” Timothy Maggard, age 68, of Sparta, Missouri, passed away September 24, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri. He entered this life March 13, 1956.

Born in Springfield, Missouri, and son of John and Clydonna (Wilson) Maggard. Jim (born Glen Timothy Reeves) passed away in an automobile accident near Sparta, Missouri, where he lived. He attended Central and Glendale High School. Growing up, he attended Elwood Assembly of God Church with his many relatives. Jim served the country as a U.S. Air Force Veteran.

Jim was a nature lover, and the outdoors was everything to him. He had a keen eye for finding arrowheads. Jim loved dipping his toes in the river, camping, fishing, mushroom hunting, photography and whatever let him experience God’s beauty. He posted many beautiful photos on his Facebook page. The world of nature was his church and where his spirit was fed.

Jim was creative and charismatic with a wicked sense of humor. He was a poet, and he documented lots of his life stories in his poetry.

Another love of his was animals and he spent many years working with exotic wild animals, both in South Carolina and Missouri. He did this work until his health forced him to stop. Jim had many unusual pets, like Rio, his mountain lion and Yogi, his funny capybara. He loved doing fun things like walking his (dyed) green llama in the St. Patrick’s Parade in Springfield and other special events.

Jim could speak on most any subject as he was a smart man with a wealth of knowledge, some of which was hard-won through life’s many challenges. Many times, it seemed that he made life harder for himself (and others) than it had to be, but he lived life the way he chose to live it. As the song goes, “he was no stranger to the rain.” He said that he had done everything that he wanted to do in life.

Jim was preceded in death by his fathers; his baby daughter, Amber Colleen; former wife, Eileen Maggard; sister, Glenda Reeves Jenkins; brother, Johnny Boehm; maternal grandparents: David and Rosa Wilson; paternal grandparents: Alonzo and Mary Maggard as well as Alonzo and Maude Reeves.

He is survived by his mother, Clydonna Wilson; stepmother, Shelley Maggard; as well as his four sons: John Bradley (Michelle) Maggard, Alonzo James Maggard, Lance Brandon Maggard, and Arden James Maggard; his three grandchildren: Evan (Samara) Maggard, Katelyn and Taylor Scheulen; his two great-grandchildren: Lynlee and Millie Maggard. Jim is also survived by his siblings: Deborah (Louie) Bunch, Teresa Tindall, Joanna Presley, Dana Stone, Nina Kessler, all of Springfield, Shane Reeves and Chirstina Reeves Barts of Anaheim, California. He had several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Jim (Tim to his sisters) was a stubborn, bull-headed individualist who “raised cain” many years of his life but he was loved beyond measure, and we will miss him always. To thine own self, be true. “Go rest high on the mountain”.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri where he will inurned with full military honors. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.