James Robert Askren, 88, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully in his home on Friday afternoon April 14, 2017.  Much of his family was present and supported by the compassionate care of Mercy Hospice and Phoenix Home Health Care.

Jim was born in Sedalia, MO on September 10, 1928 to James Newton and Anna Margaret Askren.  He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was also a long time member of the Knights of Columbus.  He served both St. Agnes and Immaculate Conception Parishes in many capacities over the years from Parish Council member to lecturing.

He was married to Dorothy Lorene Askren for 63 years until her passing in 2015.  Together they raised seven sons and one daughter which blessed them with 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren scattered from Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota.  Their marriage was a shining example of love, faithfulness and caring.

James' business career in the home furnishings industry spanned for 60 years. Starting in his hometown managing a retail furniture store owned at the time by McLaughlin Brothers Furniture.  He moved on to owning his own retail furniture business in Sedalia closing in 1968.  From there he moved his wife and 7 children, at the time, to Springfield and took the helm of Sedgwick Furniture as operations manager and buyer.  In the early seventies he was hired by McKinney Bedding Co. (Restonic of Springfield) as their sales representative where he spent the remainder of his career until his retirement in 2008.  He will long be remembered for his professionalism, positive attitude, sense of humor and genuine kindness and humility.  Many businesses in southwest and central Missouri have him to thank for the success and prosperity they enjoy today.  His legacy continues by having a son and granddaughter in the home furnishings industry.

Visitation to be held at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Thursday April 27, 2017 starting at 4:00 pm ending with the Rosary at 6:00 pm.  Rite of Christian Burial celebrated on Friday April 28, 2017 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church.  Private inurnment ceremony will be held on a later date.

Donations in memory of Jim's life would be welcomed: In Memory of Jim Askren, Immaculate Conception Church, 3555 South Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804.