James Arthur (Jimmie) Dye, 90, of Paris, passed away on Sept. 22, 2021 at University of Missouri Hospital.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1930 in Paris, son of Bryan and Mabel Wilson Dye. He attended grade school at McGee School and graduated from Paris High School in 1948. While in high school, he was involved in FFA and was a cheerleader. Jimmie met Rilla Smith on the bus and they dated during high school. They were married on Oct. 8, 1950 at the Paris First Christian Church. Jimmie left in January, 1952 for the army. After basic training at Fort Ord, Calif. he was sent to Fort Knox, Ky. Rilla joined him in California and then in Kentucky before he was sent to Germany, where he was in a field artillery unit assigned to the motor pool. He achieved the rank of corporal and was discharged in 1954.
Jimmie and Rilla made their home on Route D, south of Paris, for the next 60 years. He was a lifelong livestock and grain farmer, and he took great pride in planting a straight row.
They raised three children, Cheryl Dye of Clemson, S.C., Kent (Deena) Dye of Paris, and Kevin (Stacy) Dye of Paris. He and Rilla also had seven grandchildren, Jenna (Hunt) Grogan, Brent (Lilly) Dye, Lauren (Josh) Bondy, Meaghan Dye, and Paige, Kenzie and Taylor Dye. They also had four great-grandchildren, Adeline, Harper, and Blaire Bondy, and Daisy Dye.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Virginia Matteson and Father Gerald Dye; and his wife, Rilla.
He was a member of the Midway Christian Church where he had served as deacon, elder and board chairman. He also served on the Paris National Bank Board, Consolidated Electric Board, Monroe County Co-op Board and was a MFA Delegate, as well as a 4-H project leader. He and Rilla enjoyed square dancing for many years with the Salt River Swingers. They also enjoyed traveling and traveled to all but one state. Jimmie always greeted people with a smile, and rarely complained, even in his later years.
Graveside services were held Sunday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Paris, with Elaine Kuntz officiating. Visitation was held prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paris Senior Center.
