James "Jim" Eldon Hilderman, 75, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Arnold Funeral Home. Tony Maxwell will be officiating the service.  Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, from 12:00 noon until time of services at the funeral home.

Jim was born on March 11, 1948 in the state of Washington, the son of Pearlie and Lily (Morrow) Hilderman.  On September 3, 1966 he married Debbie Jones in Kirksville.  He retired from Missouri Military Academy where he worked in maintenance.

Jim liked to spend his leisure time fishing, watching Gunsmoke, John Wayne movies and hanging out with his dogs, Rinny and Sarge.  He was known to be a little onery and could be caught chasing his grandkids around the yard.  Jim loved his family.  He was a proud man and wouldn't ask anyone for help.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie; six children, Jimmie (Karla) Hilderman of Laddonia, Jeri (Tony) Kysar of Mexico, Joni (Travis) Unger of Mexico, Juli (Scott) McClain of Mexico, Jeff (Amy) Hilderman of Mexico and John Hilderman of Mexico; special friend, Danielle Arens; 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Pearlie and Lily Hilderman; one sister, Jewell Anthony; one brother, Floyd Hilderman; three nephews, Larry Anthony, Mike Anthony and Tracy Anthony.

The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.