James Purl Colwell, 81, died on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine. He was born on Feb. 6, 1943, in St. Joseph, Mo., to Ralph and Lois (Kennish) Colwell. He grew up on a family farm outside of Mound City, Mo. Jim attended Bellevue Country School where he graduated in a class of six students. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Tarkio College and his master’s from Northwest Missouri State University. Jim was united in marriage to Deanna Widener on Aug. 13, 1967, in Redfield. The couple were blessed with three children. Jim taught science in Dow City and Woodbine before taking on the position of Principal at Carson Macedonia. He also coached in Woodbine. He was the coach for Jr High girls basketball and track and was the assistant High School girls basketball and football coach, which included two trips to state in basketball. Jim moved on to farming and then he hauled grain and livestock before working several other jobs. He eventually worked as a grain scale salesman in a multi-state area and finished his employment driving semis full of expeditated material across the country. After a serious accident while driving the semi, he retired early. Jim was a member of the Methodist Church in Missouri and attended Grace Community Fellowship in Missouri Valley.
Jim was an avid toy collector, amassing an impressive collection of over 500 toy tractors and equipment. He also enjoyed gardening and working in the dirt. Some of his happiest moments unfolded in the stands of Woodbine school sports events, where he cheered on his grandchildren and other Tigers.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Dee Colwell of Woodbine; children, Barbie and her husband Tom Schafer, Mike Colwell and his wife Becky and Becky and her husband Matt Leaders all of Woodbine; nine grandchildren, Emily (Jeff) Perry, Cameryn (Cole) Reiman, Brock Leaders, Conrad Schafer, Nathan Colwell, Aaron Colwell, Reese Leaders, Cayden Schafer and Blaine Leaders; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the United Methodist Church in Woodbine with pastor Nikki Ahart and Pastor Brad Westercamp presiding over the service. The musicians were Crystal Johnson and Sue Benedickt and the songs were “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. The Pallbearers were Brock Leaders, Conrad Schafer, Nathan Colwell, Aaron Colwell, Blaine Leaders, Cole Reiman and Jeff Perry. Jim’s final resting place is at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
