James (Jim) Appelquist was reborn into God's kingdom on September 12, 2012 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Verona, Missouri on January 14, 1952, he was known for his ever-smiling face and his love of family and music. He was preceded in death by parents Oscar and Elsie Appelquist and brother John Appelquist. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Darlene Appelquist of Battlefield; his three daughters: Stephanie Richter and husband Doyle of Battlefield; Gail Whiting and husband Erik of Springfield; and Katrina Appelquist of Battlefield; and six grandchildren: Ashley, Andrew, and Katelyn Richter; and Aaron, Jonathan, and Faith Whiting; nieces, many cousins, and numerous friends. Jim attended the University of Missouri, Columbia on an NROTC scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education and was always very proud to be a Mizzou Tiger. He later earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. After serving in the United States Navy and achieving the rank of Lieutenant, he worked at the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging (SWMOA) for 29 years. He was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, serving as elder, congregational president, choir member, praise team guitarist and church youth sports coach. He loved his family well and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Never meeting a bowl of ice cream he didn't love or a person he couldn't strike up conversation with, Jim inspired those who knew him to enjoy simple blessings and rejoice in the life to which God called him thru Holy Baptism. Visitation will be Thursday, September 20, 2012 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield. Celebration of Life services will be Friday, September 21, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2852 S. Dayton, Springfield. His body will be laid to rest afterwards at Spring River Cemetery in Verona, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials are sent to SW MO Alzheimer's Association or Springfield Lutheran School. The family appreciates all the prayers, love and support they have received during Jim's illness and passing.