James "Jim" David Gasper, 51, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at his home.

Born October 1, 1966 in Staunton, Illinois, Jim was the son of James B. and Judith Grace (Groeteka) Gasper. On April 13, 2017 in Macon, Missouri, Jim married Sarah Drennan.

Jim is survived by his wife Sarah of the home; his mother, Judy Gasper of Staunton, IL; two sons, Cory Johnson and fiancée Courtney Hoffman of Florissant, MO; and Derek Johnson of Kirksville, MO; one daughter, Bailey Christman of Kirksville, MO; two sisters Robin and husband Jeff Booth of Staunton, IL and Wendy Stahl and fiancée Doug Yarnik of Staunton, IL; five grandchildren, Averie Johnson, Zoe Johnson, Emmit Johnson, Hazel Johnson and Raeleigh Johnson.

Jim was preceded in death by his father James Gasper.

Jim graduated from high school in Edwardsville, Illinois and attended four years of college at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville.

Jim was a recruiter for Merrill Lynch at Alexander Mann Solutions at the time of his death.

Jim's hobbies included powder coating, riding Harley's, and going to the shooting range. He will always be remembered for being a good one for jokes. Jim loved hanging out with friends and spending time with his grandchildren.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Jim will be transferred to Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, Illinois for visitation to be held Monday, August 21, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL. with interment following at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Edwardsville, IL.