James Harold Chism

James Harold Chism, 78, El Dorado Springs, passed away on April 7, 2017, in Community Springs Care Center, following a short illness. Jim was born on Aug. 4, 1938, to Ovie Ray and Willia (Tolbert) Chism in Aldrich.

He graduated from Stockton High School in 1957. After graduation Jim moved to Kansas City to work for Hallmark Cards. After a short period of time, he decided city life was not for him and returned to El Dorado Springs.

He married Carolyn L. Hunt on Jan. 23, 1959. To this union one son was born, Brian Lee Chism.

They enjoyed traveling many miles and spent many hours watching their son, Brian, play sports and other activities through the years.

Later he was married to Sandy (Bogart) Switzer adding a daughter, Tammy Frame, and granddaughter, Karenza Frame.

Jim proudly served in the National Guard for two years from 1961 to 1962 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Knox, KY and Camp Clark in Nevada.

He was a successful electrician helping wire many new homes for family and friends. Jim also helped the Habitat for Humanity in Nevada. He retired from 3-M after nearly 30 years of service. During his employment he made many friends. He enjoyed getting together with buddies and hanging out at the local coffee shop, especially Don McNeece who was his pal.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ovie and Willia Chism; brothers, Joe Chism (Lamar) and William Chism (El Dorado Springs); sisters – Emma Jean Fidler, (Bear Creek), Mary Ann Schaaf (Kansas City) and Evelyn Esry (El Dorado Springs, MO).

Survivors include his son, Brian Lee Chism, and daughter-in-law, Kelly Beth Chism – El Dorado Springs; grand daughter, Megan Ashley Chism, currently attending Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph; and grand daughter, Riley Meg Jeffries, El Dorado Springs. Jim is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim loved traveling and watching his granddaughters, Meg and Riley play several sports through the years. To the girls, he was a best friend, a great chauffeur, lunch date and an all around wonderful grandpa.

Other than being a grandpa, his biggest past time was fishing in local lakes and rivers. He also enjoyed traveling across the country to fish and even to Canada. His favorite hot spot was Kentucky Lake where Ken Rice went for the first time together. And later on, took several family members fishing, where they often “out-fished” the local guides,

He enjoyed snagging for spoonbill at the old Osceola dam, gigging suckers and rod and reel and trot lining for catfish. But his most favorite fish to catch was crappie. He has passed down his fishing “honey-holes” to his favorite fishing partners, Brian, Mitch, Chris, Johnny, Junior, Pogo, Dennis, Ken (and the rest of the crew) which has been enjoyed at many fish frys. Along with being one of the best fishermen around, no one could fry a better batch of crappie like he could.

In his later years, everyone in town would see him cruising the streets of El Dorado, often with his favorite companion, Daisy, the beagle.

A service was held Monday, April 10, in Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs, with Rev. Brent Bland officiating. Music was  “Unclouded Day”, “Grandpa Told Me So”, “That’s My Job” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Casketbearers were David Chism, Brandon Esry, Chris Davis,   Gary Esry, Kent Esry  and Mark Esry. Honorary casketbearers were Don McNeece, George Hunt, John Julian,  Cliff Heitz, Josh Heuser, Ken Rice, Chris Julian, Mitch Julian, Dale Heitz and Josh Floyd.

Interment was in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under direction of Sheldon Funeral Home El Dorado Springs.

www.sheldonfh.com.