James Gale “Jimmy” Shier, 74 of Higginsville, MO, passed away on November 26, 2025. He was born in Warrensburg, MO on March 19, 1951 to the late R.J. Shier and Ruth Baker. Jimmy graduated from Odessa High School in 1970. He spent his early years in Marshall, MO, where he raised his family. For the past 30 years, he made Higginsville his home.
He worked as a dedicated truck driver for numerous individuals and businesses, earning a reputation for reliability, hard work, and a willingness to support the rural farming community with any hauling needs. He continued in the profession he loved until his retirement in 2023.
In his free time, he enjoyed attending sprint car races and tractor pulls. Some of his favorite moments were the simple ones, meeting with friends for coffee, catching up on life, and sharing a laugh.
Surviving are his mother, Ruth Baker of Higginsville; two daughters, Kari (Andy) Leak of Parkville, MO and Krystle Routon of Sedalia, MO; son, Kenny (Naomi) Shier of Knob Noster, MO; six grandchildren, Andrew Leak, Grace Leak, Carter Routon, Lily Routon, Kendra Shier and Eric Jones; three siblings, Janet (Jim) Brandon of Oak Grove, MO, Jerry (Cindy) Shier and Jeff (Kris) Shier, both of Higginsville; three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, R.J. Shier; his step-father, Dean Baker; and his step-brothers, Jeffrey and Donald Baker.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home with Rev. Andy Mockridge officiating. Burial will be in the Higginsville City Cemetery.
Casket bearers: Doug Bird, Willard Haley, Andrew Leak, Gary McCulloch, Jason Meinershagen, Carter Routon, Bill Shier, Josh Shier. Honorary casket bearers: John Dye, Donald Haley, Ernie Schloman, Jim Shobe.
Memorials may be made to Lafayette County Cancer Coalition. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stewarthoeferfuneralhome.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
