James T. Ausmus, Sr., 88 of Centralia passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at Boone Hospital Center, in Columbia.
Family and friends are invited to Jim’s Life Celebration 11 a.m., Saturday March 14, 2026 at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia, with burial to follow in the Centralia City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Jim was born on September 10, 1937, in Columbia, the son of Reginald E. Ausmus and Barbara M. Ausmus.
On August 16, 1959, Jim married Joan J. “Jody” Ausmus, who predeceased him in death on January 8, 2024.
Jim was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army on August 7, 1959 and was honorably discharged on October 31, 1967 after achieving the rank of Captain (Artillery).
Jim was a 1955 graduate of Hickman High School, then attended the University of Missouri where he obtained his undergraduate and law degrees. Jim became licensed to practice law on September 8, 1962.
Jim’s legal career in Centralia spanned over 60 years and included acting as the general counsel for A. B. Chance Company and the City Attorney for Centralia and Sturgeon, while also maintaining his private legal practice up until the date of his death.
Jim was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity which he was initiated into on April 16, 1956.
Jim was also a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan. His love affair with the Tigers began as a small boy when his family would vacation in Michigan and he would listen to baseball games on the radio.
Jim is survived by his children James T. Ausmus, II (Sarah), Jeffrey K. Ausmus, Sr. (Julie), Joseph Andrew Ausmus (Christy); grandchildren Janeka Ausmus, Brittany Ann Heater, Jeffrey Kingsland Ausmus, II, Lindsey Brooke Ausmus, Adam Reginald Ausmus, Alexander Kost Ausmus, Andrew Peter James Ausmus; great-grandchildren Mikyan Ehnert, Avery Joann Wood, Benton Lee Palmer, Levi Kingsland Ausmus, Charlotte Stocks Ausmus, Chase Alan Heater, Reginald Lee Ausmus and Dawson James Heater; as well his nephews John Ausmus, Kevin Ausmus and brother in law Larre Johnson.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother Reginald E. Ausmus, Jr.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Centralia Avenue of Flags and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St., Centralia, MO 65240. Online condolences may be left at www.fentonkendrickfh.com.
