Jimmy Thaller

James "Jimmy" William Thaller, 85 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. He was born Wednesday, July 24, 1935 in Higginsville, and was the son of the late William B. Thaller and the late Lillian (Mueller) Thaller. Jimmy graduated from Higginsville High School in 1955, and soon after joined the United States Marine Corp. He proudly served his country for the next four years. He was a member of the Higginsville VFW and the Higginsville American Legion. He was also a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Higginsville and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He married Renna (Brunk) Thaller on October 31, 1959, and they would spend 62 happy years together. Jimmy spent his career working for the Missouri Department of Transportation for 35 years before retirement. Jimmy was proud of his work. The family has many fond memories of crossing bridges and hearing him say, "I painted this entire bridge with a paint brush and no ladder!" He enjoyed traveling with Renna, going to casinos, seeing shows in Branson and visiting their lake house as often as possible. During high school he achieved Eagle Scout and continued to help other Boy Scouts through their ranks, he loved gardening, hunting, fishing, and Morel mushroom hunting. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He could grab a room full of people's attention with his stories and have them roaring with laughter by the time he was done. Jimmy will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, and his entire community. Surviving are his wife, Renna Thaller of the home; two sons, William Thaller of Higginsville, Andrew Thaller (Nicole Jackson) of Stover, MO; two daughters, Christina (Brent) Smith of Higginsville, Katrina (Travis) Stewart of Waverly, MO; two sisters, Ann (Darl) Mattson of Higginsville, and Helena (Charles) Thies of Atchison, KS; fourteen grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Leo Thaller, Sam Thaller and Robert Thaller; two sisters, Joan Thaller and Catherine Thaller; and one grandson, Michael Stephen Thaller. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 12:30 PM on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Higginsville, with a visitation following at 1:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM with Father Tom Hawkins officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers: Danny Parkes, Jordy Thaller, Kurtis Duncan, Noah Fidler, Brandon Thaller, Kody Motley. Honorary Pallbearers: Paul Smith, Renna Parkes, Josh Thaller, Clair Parkes, Dave Thieme, Dirk Burrow. Memorials may be made out to the American Cancer Society.

Jimmy Thaller

July 24, 1935 - May 12, 2021