James “Jim” Lewden Mace of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully under the care of Seasons Hospice at his home on May 22, 2026, from lifelong health complications from Agent Orange -Vietnam Military service. Jim was born August 8, 1943, in Springfield, Missouri, to Roger and Mildred Mace.

Jim attended many different schools in Springfield including St. Agnes, McDaniel, Rountree, Delaware, Jarrett, and finally high school at Greenwood. After high school Jim continued his education at the University of Arkansas on an athletic scholarship. Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting and was a member of the ROTC program all while excelling in athletics.

After college Jim served the United States Army as an Officer, where he served in various roles in the United States and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. During this time Jim also competed for the USA Track and Field Team.

Jim’s professional career included roles as department store buyer, retail and insurance sales marketing, management, C Suite Executive Leadership, ownership of businesses and real estate investment properties and as an investor for individuals looking to kick start their own business. Fresh out of the military he had an early career track with JC Penny, Globe Shopping Centers (Walgreens) and National Community Stores, and later NFC Marketing of Dallas, TX before he founded his own company, J. M. Marketing, a group Life and Health Insurance sales and marketing business focused on customer service and beneficial products.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Mildred Mace.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Teresa Taylor Mace; his brother Guy (Dorothy) R. Mace; children, Robert (Joy) L. Mace, and Shonda (Jason McClelland) R. Mace; stepchildren, Alicia (David) D. Pulley, and John (Emily) Harris; grandchildren, Richard, Victoria, Finley, McKayla, Aspen, and Eli; mother in law, Mary M. Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was enthusiastic about domestic and international travel, trying new foods, planning events and parties, meeting people wherever he went, creating and closing sales opportunities, and attending auctions. As a true patriot, Jim was a strong believer of God first, family, and his country. When thanked for his service he always said, “it was an honor to serve his country.”

He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Grateful and blessed for the incredible health care and services of the Veterans Administration, Dr.’s, nurses, and staff, Mercy’s Physicians and Hospital nurses and staff, the Select Hospital of Springfield, MO. Dr.’s, nurses, and staff, and Seasons Hospice Dr’s, Nurses, and support staff, the incredible family-Clan, friends, and neighbors that prayed with and for our family as well as showed up (and called) to provide love, laughter, relief, and care, “thank you.”

Private family only military honors graveside ceremony scheduled for interment of his cremations at Hazelwood Cemetery and a family visitation open to the public to drop in at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel at: 1947 E Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804, Monday, June 15, 2026, 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. To honor Jim’s feelings about his retirement after a long business career that left him with a desire to never have need to wear a business suit again, the family plans to wear summer casual and business casual dress.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to D.A.V. Chapter 11, Orlan E. Smith Memorial Chapter 11, 2525 E. Division, Springfield, MO 65803.