Jimmie Dale “Jim” McCauley

Jimmie Dale “Jim” McCauley born March 6th, 1936, went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2022. He was born “100 years to the day from the day the Alamo fell”—one of his favorite sayings.

Jim never met a stranger; he made friends everywhere he went. He could always strike up a conversation, no matter who the person was. Jim was a hard worker and taught his family those values. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and fought it with grit and determination for over 30 years.

Jim was born on the family farm in Nixa, Missouri and was a farmer his entire life. His only time away from the farm was to attend the University of Missouri, completing a degree in Agriculture. Jim farmed with his father Orville until his retirement. They had milk cows, beef cows, chickens, sheep, hogs, and grew row crops to feed their animals. Jim followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps with a passion for the land and custom farming for other local farmers in Christian and Greene counties. He had his own semi-truck and hauled many loads of grain and hay both for himself and others.

Jim worked hard to be successful in everything he did—farming, raising a family, and his hobbies. He won many, many races in go carts and drag racing—setting a national record in his class that stood for many years. He was an avid John Deere tractor collector and collected many Dodge and Plymouth muscle cars. Some of his cars have been featured in national magazines. He won several national and regional car shows and was very proud of his accomplishments.

Jim served on the Nixa school board for 20 years. Being a graduate of Nixa, he was very proud to give back to his community during a time of rapid growth. He enjoyed supporting and attending school activities and sporting events in Nixa, watching his children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren compete.

Jim was very active in the Ozarks Steam Engine Association almost from the beginning. He served as President, Vice President, and many years as the Secretary and Treasurer. Jim was instrumental in growing the association and hauled most of the steam engines and equipment at one time or another.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Aggie McCauley; and two sisters, Evelyn (Gary) Scholten; and Edith Herndon. 

He is survived by the love of his life of 64 years, wife Delma McCauley; a brother, Dwight McCauley; three children, Delinda (Terry) Phillips, Kathy (Kevin) Heitland, and Randy McCauley; seven grandchildren who lovingly called him “Pa”, Brianne (Wes) Yancey, Amy (Jeremy) Coffman, Ashlee Luko, Garrett (Hollie) Calhoun, Joshua McCauley, Kaylee McCauley (Dylan Clift), and Dylan McCauley; four great grandchildren, Cooper Coffman, William Coffman, Brynnlee Yancey and Brooks Yancey; and long-time friend and caregiver, Brenda Fitzpatrick.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa.  Burial will follow the service at McCauley Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nixa FFA chapter or the Ozarks Steam Engine Association in Jim’s name.