James "Jim" Burl Sanders passed away in Springfield, MO. at Cox South Hospital. He passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the age of 77.

Jim was born in Ava, Mo. on Wednesday, July 14, 1948, to Luther and Pauline Sanders. Jim grew up between Missouri and Iowa with four brothers and four sisters.

Jim's hobbies in his youth were horse riding, boating, fishing, and shooting. He loved wearing his cowboy boots and hats. Jim also was a mechanic and a farmer; he loved listening to music and spending time outside. In Jim's later life he loved raising chickens and riding on his riding mower.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Sanders of thirty-six years; two siblings, Roy Sanders, Mary Lou Kimble (Jim); three sons, Rob Sanders (Rebekah), Wade Sanders (Ashley) and Gary Sanders; and one daughter, Melinda Sanders; twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; four stepchildren, Michelle Lane, Nathan Williams, Amy Raines, and Tyler Jenkins.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Luther Sanders, Kenny Sanders, Donny Sanders; three sisters, Darlene Bickford, Kathy Sanders, and Betty Lou Raines; stepdaughter, Mary Triska and grandson, Michael Sanders.

Jim will be missed and loved by many. He may be gone but never forgotten. His legacy will always be in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Klingner Cope Funeral Home White Chapel: 5234 West State Hwy EE Springfield, MO. 65803 with Pastor Larry Ball officiating. All are invited to share their memories and honor his contributions.

Flowers will need to be delivered by 4:00 pm on February 20, 2026.

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.