Jimmy Crisp (Seymour)'s Obituary
Jimmy Lon Crisp
Jimmy Lon Crisp, son of W P and Elenora (Wallis) Crisp, was born February 09, 1939 in Big Flat, Arkansas. He departed this life on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 in his home near Seymour, Missouri, at the age of seventy-four years and seventeen days.
Raised up in the Gainesville area, Jimmy attended Gainesville High School. He went to work for his uncle at the stave mill. After his uncle’s passing, Jimmy went to work for Mayflower and Polar Express trucking company as a driver for several years. He returned to the saw mill as owner and operator of Crisp Stave Company. On June 12, 1976 Jimmy united in marriage to Nadine Coonts and together they settled in the Seymour area. Jimmy’s love for the outdoors drove his success in professional fishing. He won the Western Bass Invitational in 1983, going on to develop a flippin’ jig lure that he later named the “Crispin” jig. He also started the Seymour Auto Parts store that same year. Then in 1988, Jimmy became the Mayor and Administrator of Seymour, Missouri, where he faithfully served the town for 16 years. In his retirement Jimmy went on to mentor others and encouraged kids to become involved in fishing through an organization called Fish Tails.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his granddaughter Shawna Crisp Bauer.
Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife Nadine Crisp of the home; his children Vicki Mitzel of the state of Florida, Shane Crisp and wife Jodi, Darren Crisp and wife Denise, Marketa Hambelton and husband Jerry and Jamie Crisp all of Gainesville, Missouri, Sheila Sturdefant and husband Mike, Teresa Yarger and husband Ross, Doug Johnson and wife Tina, Delilah Johnson and husband Greg, all of Seymour, Missouri; his grandchildren Marin, Cari, Colton, Jessica, Warren, Jared, Jeremy, Crystal, Travis, Christina, Michael, Robert, Ashley, Brittany, Kristin, Ryan, and Heath; his 21 great-grandchildren; his sister Loretta Evans and husband Kenneth of Aurora, Missouri; as well a host of other dear family and friends.
A member of Missouri Forestry Products, the Seymour Lions Club, the Bassmasters, the Western Bass Club and B.A.S.S., Jimmy gave back to the community. He was a 3rd Degree Mason at the Hazelwood Masonic Lodge. He was of the Church of Christ faith and served his Lord by caring for others. A strong man with a tender heart, Jimmy loved to mentor others. He had a strong sense of justice and sought to right the wrongs he saw. He gave 100% to everything he did, and never settled for less in himself.
Jimmy enjoyed playing golf; he collected antiques and loved the outdoors. He was proud of his family and was at his happiest surrounded by those he loved, doting on his grandchildren. Pepa leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, standing for what you believe in and putting the greater good before yourself.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and a caring neighbor and friend Jimmy left his mark on this community and on our hearts. We celebrate his life and accomplishments, treasuring the wonderful memories he created for each of us. Although he will be greatly missed, we can take comfort by holding on to the truth through our Lord Jesus until we meet again.
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