James Eaton, 74, Clinton, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at his home in Clinton. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Visitation will be on Sunday, February 24, 2019 from 5-7pm at the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, Clinton, Missouri with funeral service on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 11am also at the church.
Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church and may be left in care of the funeral home.
James Russell Eaton Jr was born March 6th 1944 in Mattoon, Illinois to father James and mother Vercie Eaton. Jim grew up on a farm in central Illinois shucking corn by hand in the fields and putting up hay, milking cows and other farm chores. Beginning at a young age Jim enjoyed the outdoors trapping and hunting through out his life.
After graduating high school he began working at the family business for about a year. On April 18, 1963 he joined the United States Air Force. After basic training he was sent to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. While in Virginia a friend of Jim's had a car and they attended a Pentecostal Holiness Church. On August 3, 1963 Jim received the Holy Spirit.
Jim was later transferred to Forbes A.F.B. in Topeka, Kansas. While attending church in Kansas the pastor there informed Jim that they had a cousin about Jim's age. Shortly there after Jim met the love of his life Mary Roettgen, and they were married October 31, 1964.
Jim had a calling on his life to be a minister and after running from the calling for several years Jim and Mary moved to Clinton, Missouri in 1975. After moving they began having church in their rented house and began to look that summer for a building to rent. Eventually they purchased property on West Henry Street where the Apostolic Pentecostal Church sits today.
During his time in Clinton Jim worked at several business's throughout the community. Jim never met a stranger and was always there to give someone he didn't know, encouragement or help during a tough time even though he didn't always have much himself, but the lord always provided.
Jim ministered at the church until the summer of 2015 when he decided to retire. Early in 2018 Jim was again called and filled in as pastor at the church he started until his death.
Jim enjoyed spending time in the field hunting or inviting someone to church and telling them about the love of Jesus, but most of all Jim enjoyed spending time with his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Russ Eaton and his brother, Kenneth Eaton.
Jim is survived by his wife Mary of the home, son, Tim (Jessica) Eaton, Clinton, Missouri, sisters, Imogeone Woods, Clark, Missouri, ElGene Stone, Vero Beach, Flordia, Marilyn Hart, Illiopolis, Illinois, grandchildren, Jerod, Carson, Kaleb, Aaron and Kalie, and 3 great grandchildren.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri.
