James Saucier Obituary

James (Jim) L. Saucier was born November 22, 1946, in Jefferson City, MO to Georgia M. (Burks) and Melvin C. (Bud) Saucier.  Following a recent fall at his residence, Jim passed away from his injuries on March 3, 2025, at Mercy Medical Hospital St. Louis.  Friends are invited to a visitation at the First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green, MO from 4:00pm until 7:00pm on Thursday, March 6th.  A funeral and graveside service for Jim will begin at 11am on Friday, March 7th at the Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green and be concluded at the Bowling Green City Cemetery.  Mourners are invited to enjoy lunch in the church fellowship hall following. 

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make donations in Jim's memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green or to Pike County Home Health and Hospice.  Serving as pallbearers will be Kent Betts, Kent Dixon, Bill Unsell, Kevin Kruser, Roy Behlmann and Edward Meyer.  Honorary pallbearers are Bill Cropp, Jim Bowen, Jim Wells, Robert Meyer, Brock Meyer, Joe Paulsmeyer, Carroll Grote, Kevin Gilbert, Mark Bair, Steve Lage, Chris Lage, Doug Lage, and John McIlroy, Jr. 

Jim and his family resided in Jefferson City until 1950, moved to Mexico, MO until age 15 and then moved to Canton, MO where Jim graduated from Canton High School in 1964.  He was a 1970 graduate with honors of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State), with a degree in accounting and industrial arts.

On August 19, 1967, Jim married Talley Lee Shaon and together they celebrated 57 years of marriage. To this union they have one son, James Talley, born in 1979. After having been baptized a Catholic, upon his marriage to Talley, Jim became a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green. And until his death he actively served the Lord as an Elder, on the Session and as Chair of the Finance Committee many times over the decades. 

During college, Jim was employed at Updyke Motors in Kirksville, MO, and then in 1970 when he and Talley returned to Bowling Green, he began his 47-year career at Shaon Motors. Jim became Dealer Principal of the automotive dealership in the 1970's. He served as President of the St. Louis Zone Advertising Council of Crysler-Plymouth and served on the National Advertising Board in the 1980s. 

Jim was an active leader in Bowling Green throughout his life. He served as President of Bowling Green Growth and President of the Northeast Missouri Pilot's Association. Jim was a devoted member of the local Rotary Club, having joined in 1970, and served as President during his long tenure and a Paul Harris Scholar. Jim was a private pilot for 51 years and was instrumental in leading the continuous growth and development of the local airport.  He served as the volunteer airport manager for over 40 years. 

Jim worked hard and played hard all his life.  He enjoyed riding from coast to coast with fellow Harley riders. He traveled to Alaska multiple times with his family.  He and Talley spent 40 years enjoying the Lake of the Ozarks and would often take area youth in his plane for an afternoon of fun on the water. He and son, James enjoyed many years of snow skiing in Park City, Utah - another of Jim's favorite pastimes. In addition, Jim was a scuba diver and enjoyed numerous trips to Florida and the Bahamas to dive. He also enjoyed annual trips with friends to deep sea fish in Florida, as well as being a season ticket holder at the Daytona 500. One of Jim's favorite hobbies was his fabulous collection of antique cars. Most of his collection was destroyed by arson several years ago, and Jim was in the process of slowly rebuilding his car collection. 

Jim also loved his family.  In addition to his parents, Talley and James, Jim's family included a sister, Linda Kay Saucier Lage, her husband Steve, two nephews Chris and wife Kristy, and Doug Lage and wife Carrie, and great nephews Gavin Lage, Corbitt Lage, and Finley Lage.  Jim had numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and in-laws.

Upon retirement in 2016, Jims plans were to spend summers in Ketchikan, AK, and fly for Taquan Air as a bush pilot, but due to Talley's health, was unable to do so.

Jim would do anything to help someone and was known for his wealth of knowledge on just about any subject.  His quiet love for family, God, his church, his community and his zest for adventure shaped his beautiful life and the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Online condolences may be left at www.bibbveach.com