He was born Nov. 7, 1948, at Ava Jimmy Ray Engelhardt, 57, Ava, passed away Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. He was born Nov. 7, 1948, at Ava, the son of Lee Roy and Anna Lee (Denney) Engelhardt. On July 22, 1972, he married Cheryl Finkemeier in Ava, and to this union two daughters were born.
Jimmie was a loving father and grandfather, brother, a good neighbor, and a great friend. He was a wonderful cook, and according to his family, he made the best meatballs of anyone. Jimmy enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He was always ready for a good game of cards or dominoes.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jimmie is survived by two daughters, Christy Engelhardt and Jennifer Engelhardt; one grandson, Karl Engelhardt; three brothers, Ronnie Engelhardt, Frank Engelhardt and wife, Loretta, and Mike Engelhardt; two sisters, Eva Thurman and husband, Danny, and Treva Tate and husband, Rick, all of Ava; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at the Mt. Tabor General Baptist Church under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home of Ava, with the Rev. Tom Johnson officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery.
