James "Jim" Donald Zumwalt

James “Jim” Donald Zumwalt, age 86, of Belle passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at his residence.

He was born August 8, 1934, in Moscow Mills, a son to the late James Samuel and Zelma Berniece (Wells) Zumwalt.

Jim was a graduate of Buchanan High School in Troy Missouri.

On November 8, 1968, Jim was united in marriage to Billie Lee Wolfe. She preceded him in death on March 8, 2010.

He was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church and a 50 year member of the Belle Masonic Lodge #373.  

Jim owned and operated the R & J General Store in Chamois as a young man for many years. Later he worked for Buecher Wholesale Delivery Service out of Washington and moved on to own and operate Zumwalt Electric & Plumbing in Bland. However, most of his adult life was spent as a preacher. Jim started preaching at Crossroads Baptist Church in 1973 and was ordained in 1976. He preached at Crossroads and other churches for over 32 years and performed over 200 weddings throughout those years. His last wedding was just a few weeks ago. His faith in God was strong and it showed in his actions and he enjoyed spreading the word of God to people from every walk of life. Jim enjoyed farming as well as working with cattle. He checked the markets daily. He liked his daily trips to Maces, watching RFDTV, ATV rides on the farm, and to go loafing at Billy’s Highway 28 discount. He was a honest man who was happy to offer constructive criticism to anyone and had nicknames for most of the people he knew. His grandchildren were his world and his overall pockets were always full of treasures for them to find. Jim will be missed tremendously by his community as well as his family and friends.

Jim is survived by: one son, Jimmy Zumwalt and his wife Wendy of Belle; two daughters, Janna Schulte of Hermann and Debbie Todd and her husband Doug of Elsberry; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; six step-children, Dennis, Mike, Peggy, Dianna, Beverly, and Sherry; one sister, Wanda McCardie and her husband Jim of Troy; and one brother-in-law, Sonny Lavy as well as many extended family members and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jim  was preceded in death by one son, Don Zumwalt, one step-son, Keith Webster, one brother Wayne Zumwalt, one sister Jeanie Lavy, one granddaughter Amanda Thompson, and one grandson Travis Webster.

Visitation for Jim will be on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021 at Crossroads Baptist Church near Bland. Interment will be in the Sulfur Lick Cemetery in Troy.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Ya Ya’s in memory of James Donald Zumwalt.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle, MO. (859-3712)

www.sassmannschapel.com