James "Jim" R. Besher II

James “Jim” R. Besher, II, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52, on February 21, 2024 at his home in Troy, Missouri. There was nothing more important to Jim than his family, and he is survived by a host of people who adored him, his beautiful twin daughters: Elizabeth (Libby) Deevers Besher and Sophia (Sophie) Lorene Besher; his sister, Della Allison Gale Besher Wagner (Carlton); brother, William (Billy) Deevers Besher (Tammy); nephew, Jack Thayer Wagner and nieces: Morgan Lucia Besher and Reese Deevers Besher. He is also survived by extended family members aunt, Laura (Lolly) Besher Outman (William); cousins: Douglas Outman (Stacey) and Katie Outman Fazio (Matthew). Jim’s heart broke when his amazing mother, Della Deevers Heise Besher pre-deceased him in 1998 and his father James (Jim) R. Besher in 2021. Jim was joyful to have connected in love with his best friend, Micholle Walker Mordock (Jamerson, Arabella, Celia Rose) after a 35-year friendship and they were blessed with three years of a wonderful romance and were soon to be engaged. Jim graduated from St. Louis Country Day School (now MICDS) in 1989, where he was Captain of the football team and much beloved by his teammates. He carried his love for football to The University of the South (Sewanee) where he played for two years before returning to Cape Girardeau to complete college and help take care of his beloved grandmother, Della B. Heise. Jim treasured those years with his grandmother Dodo, who, if you knew her, was a handful and kept him on his toes. Jim felt very strongly about the importance of military service and performed his service years on a nuclear submarine, in the Navy, with Honorable Discharge. Jim was especially pleased that he was able to share that experience with his father, James R. Besher, who joined his submarine crew for the Tiger Cruise allowing his father to have a first-hand experience of life underway and aboard a nuclear submarine. He was very proud to be a naval veteran and never failed to thank people for their service to our country. Jim brought a passion and joyfulness to all he did and everyone he touched. He worked hard, played hard and was a fierce competitor. His favorite times were spent with the ones he loved, whether with his daughters, siblings in Colorado, or down in New Orleans. His passing leaves an unfillable hole in our universe. Loyalty above all else, except honor. Services will be held private. Arrangements are under the care of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Online condolences may be made at www.kemperkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone:636-528-8221

James "Jim" R. Besher II

April 10, 1971 - February 21, 2024