Jim Sleeper, 87, of Blackburn, MO, died Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2023, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall with William W. Harlow officiating.  Burial with military rites will follow at the Missouri State Veterans’  Cemetery in Higginsville.  Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Blackburn First Responders and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.

Born May 2, 1935, in Longwood, MO, he was the son of the late Luther D. Sleeper and Mary Ann Fischer Sleeper.  Jim graduated from high school in 1953 from Sweet Springs High School.  On February 14, 1958, he married Anna “Ann” Schouten who preceded him in death on December 6, 2018.  Jim served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years and retired in 1973.  Following his retirement from the Air Force he was an auctioneer with Sleeper Brothers Auction and then Jim Sleeper Auction Service.  He lived in the Blackburn area most of his later life and was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.  Jim was a member of Tieman-Blackburn American Legion Post 478 and the V.F.W.

Survivors include three children: Mary Ann Schuster (Joe) of Blackburn, Randy Sleeper (Dana) of Blackburn, and Jimmy Sleeper (Kris) of Concordia; seven grandchildren: Joshua Schuster (Amy), Justin Schuster (Kyla), Anneke Madison (Jeff), Anna Raasch (Charlie), Collin Sleeper, Truman Sleeper and Noah Sleeper; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob Sleeper of Higginsville; one sister, Louise Crowder of Slater; as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by one sister, Phyllis.