OBITUARY

James Edward Ealer, Sr., know to most as “Jim”, of St. Clair, MO departed this world in St. Clair on Saturday, August 29, 2026, having reached the age of eighty-six years one month and one day. James was born in St. Louis, MO on July 28, 1940, son of Joseph Charles Ealer, Sr. and Clara Julia Ealer nee Krausnick. On December 20, 1958 he was united in marriage to Lois Jane King and five children came to bless this union.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lois Ealer of St. Clair; by his children, James Ealer Jr. and wife, Susan, of Cuba, MO, Perry Ealer and significant other, Denise Bradford, of St. Clair, Doug Ealer of St. Clair, Mike Ealer and wife, April, of St. Clair and Jane Brockman and husband, Jason, of St. Clair; by twelve grandchildren, Wendy Major and husband, Shaun, Ash Ealer, Lauren Rutz and husband, Aaron, Lena Jacobson and husband, Glen, Ryan Marrocco and wife, Christina, Dustin Ealer, Kerri Ealer, Amy Bullion and husband, David, Ericka Ealer and significant other, Nick Emke, Sarah Wentz, Mikey Ealer and Olivia Ealer; by fifteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Ealer, Sr. and Julia Ealer; by his brother, Joseph Ealer, Jr.; sister-in-law, Delores Ealer, by his sister, Mary Ogden; and by one great-granddaughter, Alice Grace Jacobson.

Jim was a Christian and a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Clair, MO. His faith was deeply important to him, and he and Lois were grateful to donate the land on which the church complex was built, helping support the growth of HTLC.

Jim’s love for Lois knew no bounds throughout their 70 years together. He had a strong work ethic and took great pride in providing for his family. Jim was lovingly known as “Pop” by his family and E-Z Jim by his friends.

Jim began his working career as a bill collector and door-to-door salesman for Fuller Brush. At age 21, he was accepted into the Sheet Metal apprenticeship program and worked in that trade until the mid-1970s.

He later started his own business, Custom Fireplace, followed by Custom Seamless Guttering, now known as Midwest Enterprises. Always thinking about the next big thing, Jim pursued new businesses, products, and hobbies with energy and imagination. Mechanically inclined and inventive, he held multiple patents for gutter screens and was a proud member of Sheet Metal Union Local 36.

Jim and Lois enjoyed traveling extensively, including many RV trips, cruises, and tours throughout the US and Europe. Jim was also active in his community and was Scout Master of Pack 449, a charter life member of the American Motorcycle Association, and a member of the 66 Cycle Club and Route 66 Car Club.

He enjoyed drag racing, road racing, and motocross racing. His affinity for Bultaco motorcycles began in the early 1970s and later led him to vintage motocross racing and his pride and joy, “TEAM BULL.” Jim, along with Lloyd Stahlman, their families, and friends, traveled across the United States for many years to attend races. In 2011 and 2012, he was especially proud to host his own AHRMA National Vintage Motocross races.

His family held a very special place in his heart, as he did in theirs. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 3, 2026 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Pastor John Pursley officiating. A private committal will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Mayo Clinic or Mercy Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO.