Jimmy Joe Gifford

Jimmy "Joe" Gifford, age 66, of Nixa, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2014 in Mercy Hospital Springfield. He was born August 6, 1948, in Ozark to James and Nola (Fitzgerald) Gifford. On August 30, 1975, he was united in marriage to Donna Lambert. Joe graduated from Ava High School. He served his country in the United States Army, with the 1st Battalion, 69th Armor 4th Division, and was honorably discharged on March 1, 1974. While serving in the Army, Joe earned the Purple Heart Medal from injuries he sustained in Vietnam. Joe worked for the U. S. Postal Service for 30 years, until he retired. Joe was a member of the American Legion post, in Nixa. He was an avid Cardinals fan. He was a member of the North Point Church in Nixa. Joe is survived by his wife; three sons Scott Gifford and his wife Tracy, of Nixa, Stephen Gifford of Ava, and Norman Mings of Ava; one daughter Lori Cantrell of Stella; one brother Jerry Gifford and his wife Katy, of Paragould, AR; two nieces Tammy Eanes and Tracy Sandusky of Paragould, AR; his mother Nola Gifford; and 14 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. Joe is preceded in death by his father. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2014, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 PM, in the funeral home, with Kevin Lambert officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield. Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Disabled Veterans. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.