Jim (Gus) Starkey, 54, died June 15 in his home. A lifelong resident of the Ozarks, Jim was married to his wife Kate for 31 years. He proudly watched their daughters, Annie and Molly, grow into the amazing women they have become. He gladly welcomed son-in-law Albert into the family, and most recently celebrated the birth of granddaughter Gracie. Jim was not a church-goer; he found his sense of God, and an inner peace in the beauty of the outdoors. Whether hiking and camping, motorcycle riding, cutting firewood, doing the yard work he genuinely enjoyed, swapping tall tales with friends around the picnic table, or simply kicking back with a beer to watch Kate in her garden, outdoors was where he preferred to be. Jim had simple tastes; his favorite occasion was not a fancy night on the town, or an elaborate vacation, but rather hosting an annual 4th of July party. There, surrounded by friends and family, with good food and beer, horseshoes, big explosions, and the shared hilarity of the all-ladies sparkler dance, he was at his most contented. No formal services are planned. Instead, please join family and friends at the family home, 5559 Highway H, Pleasant Hope, on Saturday, June 25 beginning at 3 p.m. for an informal gathering. Jim preferred to be remembered with smiles and good memories, rather than tears, and hoped a game of horseshoes might be thrown in his honor. No flowers please. If you are able to attend, please consider bringing either personal care items, or non-perishable food items for Crosslines, or memorial donations may be sent to Community Christian Church, 4806 E Cherry, designated for their homeless ministry at Bill's Place. The family is deeply grateful for all the love and support they have received through this difficult time, and extend a heartfelt thank you to all who have helped in any way.