Carlyn “CJ” James Nauman, age 91, of Springfield, passed away on February 16, 2023. CJ was born to Carl and Velma (Brown) Nauman on May 27, 1931, in Lamar, Colorado. In the year following his high school graduation, CJ joined the United States Air Force and proudly served our country during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, CJ settled in Springfield after meeting his first wife, Ava, at the local bus station. CJ and Ava shared 51 years of marriage before her untimely passing on February 8, 2007. The couple were blessed with two wonderful children, Dian and Sandra. On October 15, 2011, CJ was united in marriage to Shirley Davis. CJ and Shirley shared many wonderful years of marriage and companionship.

With 33 years of stellar service, CJ courageously served the city of Springfield as a highly regarded firefighter, before retiring in 1988. Around Springfield fire stations, CJ was known as “the horse.” He earned this nickname given his unique ability to carry fully pressurized water hoses all by himself. His physical and mental strength contributed significantly to his success as a career fireman. His heroic impact on the Springfield community is both meritorious and immeasurable. After his retirement from the Springfield Fire Department, CJ worked more than 10 years for Billy Long Auctioneers.

From a very young age, CJ loved to work, especially with his hands. He developed a strong, untiring work ethic that remained with him throughout his entire life. He was often described as kind, loving, patient, honest, and generous. In the words of his daughter, “dad would give you the shirt off his back.” Countless people have been blessed with CJ’s compassionate generosity. He will be remembered as a man of character and integrity. When not spending time with his family, CJ enjoyed watching the Missouri State Lady Bears, NASCAR, dirt racing, golf, and westerns, especially Gunsmoke. Wheel of Fortune was his favorite gameshow and he rarely missed an episode. Nothing, however, gave him more pleasure than taking daily drives in his truck with Shirley. The two shared many miles of happiness and fulfillment on the open road.

CJ was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Velma Nauman; his first wife, Ava; and two stepsisters, Judy and Beverly. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Dian Loyd and husband, John; daughter, Sandra Eichner and husband, Larry; stepdaughter, Lisa Fitzpatrick and husband, Mike; stepson, Mark McMullin; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

A graveside service for Carlyn “CJ” James Nauman will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens (3506 N National), with Rev. Dwight Samuel officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in CJ’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks (949 E Primrose, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-875-3500).

In the words of CJ’s daughter, Dian, “If the world was full of dads like him, there would be no problems in the world.”