James William (J.W.) Given, Jr., 94, of Mexico, died Saturday, November 13, 2021, at his home.

Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Centennial Baptist Church. Visitation is Saturday, May 14, from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at the church.

J.W. was born in Centralia, Missouri, on October 17, 1927, the son of James William and Lily Pearle (Biggers) Given, Sr.  He married Nettie Jane Stowers on August 29, 1948 on the Stowers family farm.  They lived on the same family farm for nearly 70 years till Nettie's death on February 12, 2018.

J.W. served his country in the Army after graduating high school from 1945-1946. J.W. worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline in various jobs for 27 years.  He also farmed the family farm for many years.  He valued hard work and encouraged his children to work hard and do well.  He was active in both Hopewell Baptist and Centennial Baptist church serving as treasurer and a Deacon.

J.W. was an avid bowler, bowling in several leagues and tournaments.  He passed that love of bowling down to his children and grandchildren.  He loved sports especially baseball and football.  He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and would stay up many a night watching them play baseball.  He loved to trout fish even though he spent more time fixing all the children's fishing poles.  He was so proud when he caught a huge trout at Table Rock Lake.  He and Nettie loved to travel.  They traveled the majority of the United State as well Italy and Korea.

He is survived by his children, Becky (Chuck) Thomas of Belton Missouri, Ben Given of Mexico, Bob (Sara) Given of Mexico, and Barbara (Steve) Bell of Overland Park of Kansas; grandchildren, Kristen Thomas, Michael Bentele, Brian (Jessie) Bentele, Cole Given and Riley Given; three great grandchildren, Ethan Bentele, Finn Bentele and Jacob Bentele; and his sister, Ana Florence Klenke of Centralia.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie; and a daughter, Beth Given Reyes.

Memorials may be given to Alzheimer's Association or Community Loving Care Hospice in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico MO 65265.