On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, we lost one of the few remaining members of the "Greatest Generation," when James Bruce Bugg, Sr. passed away in Springfield, Missouri. He happily lived each of his years to their fullest, and celebrated his 97th birthday on May 20th surrounded by family and friends.

Loved and admired by many, Jim was born on May 20, 1921 in Fair Play, Missouri, to his father, Lois T. "Jack" Bugg and his mother, Edith Johnson Bugg. Jim moved to Stockton, Missouri with his mother and sister, Katherine, after his father died when Jim was two. To help support the family, Jim worked at the Crown Drug Stores in Jefferson City, Carthage and Springfield, Missouri.

When World War II began, despite being underage, Jim took flying lessons in Springfield to increase his chances of becoming a pilot in the U.S. Navy. Because of this flight training, he was accepted at the U.S. Navy's Flight Training School in Pensacola, Florida, and upon graduation and earning his "wings," he was deployed to serve in the Pacific Theatre. During this time, he was proud to serve as Captain of the crew that flew the U.S. Navy's PBM and PBY torpedo search and rescue airplanes.

After returning home to Springfield after World War II, he met and married the love of his life, Norma Lee Houser on November 23, 1946. Soon after, he embarked on his first of several entrepreneurial endeavors, by selling caskets, one casket at a time, while also attending Drury College in 1946-47 and as a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Combining the skills of a natural-born salesman with creativity and drive, Jim started Ozark Casket Company in Springfield, which manufactured wood caskets. As a Naval Reserve Officer, Jim was called back to active duty during the Korean War, at which time he sold Ozark Casket Company to his lifelong friend, Jake Goodwin.

In the meantime, Jim and Norma welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Diana Lynne Bugg, and together, they were stationed at the U.S. Navy Base in Key West, Florida. Completing his Naval service as a Lieutenant, Jim, Norma and Diana returned to Springfield, where he started Springfield Casket Manufacturing Company. He subsequently moved the manufacturing operations moved to Crane, Stone County, Missouri, where the business flourished, and was soon the largest employer in Crane, Missouri. People recognized that Jim took care of his employees and the employees took care of Jim. During this time, Jim and Norma gave birth to their son, James Bruce Bugg, Jr.

Jim revolutionized casket manufacturing by repurposing a surplus metal stamping press from McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri that was used to build the wing span for F-16 fighters. Jim lowered the costs of metal caskets by creating new innovations, and after years of perseverance, started his new company in Springfield named Central States Stamping Co. After growing that business, he sold it to a publicly-traded company in 1970 and retired at the age of 49.  Following retirement, Jim was involved in many investment ventures with friends, including KBUG radio.

During all of this time, family always came first. Jim enjoyed many happy summers with his family and friends at their house on Indian Point on Table Rock Lake, outside of Branson.

He was a member Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Temple where he was affiliated with the Jesters. He and his wife Norma were charter members of National Avenue Christian Church in Springfield.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Katherine "Kitty" L. Bugg.

Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Norma Lee (Houser) Bugg; daughter, Diana Lynne Bugg and husband James Bertlesman; son, James Bruce Bugg, Jr. and wife Alethea; grandchildren, James Bruce Bugg III and Thomas Andrew Bugg; nieces, Susie Turner and her husband David; Ann Swink, Pam Boyd, and nephew, James Terry White.

A visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E Seminole, on Thursday, May 31 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at National Avenue Christian Church at 1515 S National, on Friday, June 1 at 11:00 am, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be held a later date at Springfield National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield, 1410 N. Fremont Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-2007, or Drury University, 900 N. Benton Ave, Springfield, MO 65802.