James Wayne Erwin of Springfield, Missouri passed from this life on July 14, 2017 at the age of 79. Jim was born May 15, 1938 in Springfield, MO to Eugene and Beulah Erwin.Jim worked 3 jobs for most of his life to provide a good life for his family. He was a member of Local 178 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union helping provide heating and air conditioning to many of the larger businesses in the area including Cox South and Mercy Hospitals, 3M, and the Hammons Tower. He developed and led the apprenticeship program in Springfield for his trade for many years. Jim was also a veteran serving 20 years in the Army Reserves.
Most of Jim’s favorite activities revolved around the lake. He and Donna spent many weekends with family and friends camping, fishing and boating on Table Rock Lake. Later, they built a home on Stockton Lake. Jim pulled his kids and their friends on water skiis hundreds of miles behind “Ole Yeller”! He passed his love of fishing on to his sons and grandsons. Jim shared his love for science fiction with Cathy, seeing all the Star Wars movies together. He and Donna liked to play cards and travel with friends.
Jim was a member of Hamlin Baptist Church. His favorite Bible verse was James 1:22. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” He lived this verse in a lifetime of service to others.
Jim shared 59 years of marriage with the love of his life, Donna Sue (McCoy) Erwin , who survives him, he is also survived by his four Children and their spouses: Andy Erwin and wife Carol, Cathy Richardson and the late Mack Richardson,Scott Erwin and wife Janilyn, Dan Erwin and wife Lori; eight grandchildren:Gregg Erwin and wife Crystal, Cainan Erwin and wife Elise, Skyler Richardson and wife Jenean, Aubrey Plotner and husband Colby, Connor Erwin, Paxton Erwin, Ashlee Lowry-Erwin and husband Nick, and Allison Erwin;three great grandchildren:Malcolm Erwin, Aidyn Erwin, and
Madilyn Erwin; Andy and Carol's three Children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Duane Erwin.
Visitation will be on Sunday, July 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 at Greenlawn North.
Funeral Services will be on Monday at 10:00 with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
Jim’s family would like to express their appreciation to everyone who loved and cared for him in his last days. He was loved and will be missed by all.

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