of Belton, MO
September 29, 1951 - February 23, 2025
James Oliver Mize, age 73, of Belton, Missouri passed from this earthly life on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 at Saint Luke's Health System in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born in Marshall, Arkansas on September 29th, 1951 to Justice Lafayette Mize and Edna Frances Cotton Mize. James was married to Karen Sue Huckabee for 51 years.
Jim attended Marshall High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country from 1975 to 1978. A man of many talents and careers, he spent 36 years in the drywall trade, worked as a service custodian at Leawood School-where he was cherished by students and colleagues-and drove buses for the Blue Valley and Cass Midway school districts. Jim loved the game of golf and served as a marshal at Eagles Landing Golf Club. However, his greatest calling began in 1984 when he answered the call to preach and entered the ministry. Determined to deepen his understanding of the Bible, he and his young wife, Karen, packed their belongings-and their beloved dog, Spring-into a green school bus and set off for Southeastern Free Will Baptist College in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Their journey was filled with adventure, as the summer heat caused frequent flat tires. When they ran out of spares, they adapted by traveling at night and resting in city parks during the day, with Karen tying Spring to her ankle so he could exercise while they slept. The young couple reached their destination and Jim graduated with a double major in Bible and Pastoral Training, leaving a lasting impression on the college community. More than two decades later, when he and Karen returned for a reunion, students still remembered him as "the man who showed up in a green bus". For 25 years, Jim faithfully served as the pastor of Belton Freewill Baptist Church in Belton, MO, working tirelessly alongside Karen to lead and support their congregation. His greatest gift was his boundless love, which naturally drew people to him. Beloved by many, Jim's life was a testament to faith, kindness and service-both within and beyond the church. His big heart and unwavering love for others will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Jim had a remarkable presence throughout his life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. His impact was so profound that his former master sergeant from the Army reached out to him years after their service together to check-in. When Jim fell ill, the outpouring of care and concern was overwhelming. His drywall friends checked on him regularly, while young children from the schools sent heartfelt cards and letters wishing him a speedy recovery. His golfing buddies and Saturday breakfast friends visited often, ensuring that he and Karen had everything they needed. Even in the hospital, Jim's warmth and kindness touched the hearts of the nurses, who went above and beyond to keep him comfortable. Jim was truly one of the most gracious and cherished people anyone could know.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Sue Huckabee Mize of the home; brother, Ronald Mize of Marshall; sister, Maudie Douthit of Mablevale; sister-in-law, Barbara Padilla and Junior of Marshall and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and his church family, who will also mourn his passing.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Justice and Edna Mize; brothers, Donald Gene Mize and Claude Mize; brother-in-law, Wayne Douthit and sisters-in-law, Loretta Mize and Nella Horton.
Funeral services for James will be 2:00 PM Friday, February 28th, 2025 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Kenny McDaniel and Kevin Douthit officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in Marshall Memorial Gardens where James will be laid to rest with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be Tac Crumley, Heath Mize, Kenny Douthit, Kevin Douthit, Michael Douthit and Steve Padilla. A memorial service honoring Jim's life will be held at Belton Freewill Baptist Church in Belton, Missouri on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18704483338.
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23 Condolence(s)
Brenda Scott Collie
Sunday, March 2, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Grew up with Jim and his family. He was a warm, special person. Prayers for all his family thru this time.
Elizabeth Wynn
Friday, February 28, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss Sister Karen. Pastor James was a big part of my childhood and so was Sister Karen. I grew up around them along side them going to Wednesday Service and Sunday Service with my grandparents who knew them dearly. May the lord help you find peace in knowing he's with the lord now. My prayers go out to Sister Karen and her family.
Ray Younger
Friday, February 28, 2025
The world won’t be the same without
Jim , he never met a stranger or made an enemy. He told me that he had to answer the call to preach, I always knew someday he would.
I’m so proud to have known Jim and that he has led so many to Jesus.
My prayers for Karen and Family.
Betty and Ray Barnes
Friday, February 28, 2025
Karen, and family, I was so sadden to hear of Jim's passing. I grew up with him and his brothers and sister Maudie. I loved them all. Wish I could be there for the funeral but can't be. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Love to all.
Johnny & Julie
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Karen, Prayers for peace and comfort in days ahead. Sure enjoyed working with Jim in Kansas City. He will be missed by all that new him.
Daphne Warren
Thursday, February 27, 2025
So sorry to hear about Jim. Wonderful person. He will be missed by all. Prayers for all. Daphne
Michael and Kathy Giles
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Southeastern/Gateway memories 1983-1992! Remember Jim very well. Praying for you, Karen during this time.
Sandra Lauer
Thursday, February 27, 2025
My condolences to the family. I only knew James for one year at Leawood Middle School. He was the friendliest and nicest person to all who knew him and was loved by many. Sending love and prayers to the family for healing and comfort.
Chris Franklin
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Brother Jim became a father figure in my life over the years. He dedicated and baptised my children who are now grown with their own children. He officiated both of my parents funerals. He and Karen were always there rain snow or shine and always with a smile anytime I needed help or guidance. He and Karen were a light for the lord and a light in my and my families life. I'm a better man for knowing them and thank God for putting them in my life. I pray for God's loving comfort on all his family and church family.
James and Donna Brewer
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
We have been so blessed to have been friends with Jim and Karen for many years. We were also privileged to have worked and fellowshipped with Jim and Karen in the First Free Will Baptist Church, in Topeka, KS, for many years as well. Jim was, and Karen is, a true disciple and servant of Christ. Love always, see you in heaven!
Vickie Watts
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Jim was always a kid at heart and so easily pleased. Just a happy soul, we will miss him so much. Continue prayers for the family.
Angie Johnson
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Christine and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hemant and Becki Patel
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
So many great memories of serving together at Gateway, attending classes at SE, and working together hanging Sheetrock. Much love and many prayers, Karen; and may all the precious memories of your life together bring you indescribable joy.
Shane and Kristy Morrison
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Kaen, Maudie and Ronald, I can't express into words how sorry we are for the loss of a wonderful husband, Brother and uncle. He's brought so much comfort to us and many many more, especially in our times of loss. I know Uncle Jim is in Heaven surrounded by his Lord Savior and those gone before him. Karen I send you my thoughts and prayers and my God bless and you! I love you!
Shirley Belinda Watts
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
I will truly miss Jim on this Earth but I know we will laugh and talk again in Heaven! The class of 1971 will greatly miss his always coming home to Marshall for Easter and visiting with us. Love and hugs to his precious wife, Karen.
Clara Foshee
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Prayers of comfort and peace for family
James and Jeri White
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Our deepest sympathy
Jessie brock
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Jim allowed me to work for him at Southeastern when my knowledge was weak and my money very scarce.
His joy was contagious. His compassion was inspiring. His work ethic second to none. While we hung Sheetrock we would sing We’ll work til Jesus comes. I was blessed to be his friend and honored to be his brother. I don’t know if there’s Sheetrock in heaven but if there is, Bro. Jim will have his own crew. Praise to God for His goodness and prayers for the family. God Bless!
Debbie Watts and Craig Coffey
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Karen, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
D. L. & Peggy Adams
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Jim was always easy to visit with when he came to my neighbor Nella's house. Prayers for the family are offered and sympathy.
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
We are so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He has been a good friend for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Paul Ray and Mary Lois Halsted
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
So sorry to hear this Paul Ray has lots of good memories back when they were doing drywall in their younger days prayers for his family
Barbara Smith
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Karen, and family I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good guy. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. May all of you find peace in know he is with his lord. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.