James E. Deal was born October 14, 1946 in Chicago, IL to John and Nina (Simmons) Deal. Being the fourth of twelve children (John, Michael, Eileen, Terry, Mary, Ruth, Mark, Tim, Julia, Robert and Christopher), Jim learned early on how to be the life of the party. After moving to Springfield, Jim met his future wife, Sharon (Fisher) Deal, while attending St. Agnes High School. It was always said that Jim went straight from softball to Sharon. They married in 1966 and were happily married for 48 years.

After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the Army and graduated from Officer Candidates School in 1967. While stationed in Germany, Jim and Sharon had their oldest son David and began their first travels through Europe. Jim attended Southwest Missouri State University graduating in 1971 to become a Certified Public Accountant in 1972.

Initially Jim worked for Elmer Fox & Company before starting James E. Deal & Company, working as a CPA for 36 years. Jim was a trusted advisor such that many of his clients and their families stayed with him throughout his professional career and became lifelong friends. Jim was also involved in many local organizations including Junior Chamber of Commerce, Springfield City Park Board, Missouri Society of Municipal Offices, and United Way where he was a Campaign Chairman. In 2008, Jim officially retired, but continued to “work” consulting for close clients and managing real estate.

Together with Sharon, Jim’s most proud accomplishment was his family. Jim was a devoted husband, father to David Deal wife Leanne (Springfield, MO), Deborah (Deal) Frieze husband William (Seattle, WA) and Robert Deal wife Carey (Springfield, MO), grandfather to thirteen and most recently a great grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of children and grandchildren who love him dearly and quote him often.

In his younger years, Jim was an avid golfer. Jim enjoyed many lunches and Friday nights in the company of good friends at Johnny Loo’s restaurant. In more recent years, Jim and Sharon returned to traveling, going back to Europe and developing a love for RVing, He and Sharon traveled the country and enjoyed evenings with his brothers and sisters sitting around the campfire.

Jim passed away on August 10, 2014 in his home, surrounded by his family.

A Memorial Service will be Friday August 15, 2014 at 1:00 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Hilton Garden Inn (4155 South Nature Center Way, Springfield).