HERSHEL (JIM) SANDERS BLEDSOE, JR.

Hershel (Jim) Sanders Bledsoe, Jr, 86, died Dec. 27, 2022, after a cancer diagnosis three weeks earlier. He was born Aug. 13, 1936, in Springfield, to Hershel, Sr. and Thursa Bledsoe.
Bledsoe was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt as an Aviation Electronics Technician. After his time in the Navy, he graduated from Missouri State University, with a bachelor’s degree in education. He would go on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Missouri, and a specialist’s degree from Missouri State University, both in school administration.
Bledsoe cherished his many years in public education. His career began in Dixon, where he taught business education for three years, before becoming principal at Dixon High School. In 1966, he moved his family to Willard, after accepting the principal position at Willard High School, where he spent 22 fulfilling and impactful years. In 1987, he became superintendent of the Everton School District; a position he held close to his heart for the rest of his life. After 37 years of helping communities and touching the lives of students, he retired in 1997.
After retirement, Hershel and Janice joined the staff of the Springfield Cardinals during their inaugural season. He loved making new friends and seeing familiar faces while scanning tickets at gates one and three. He enjoyed this job for many years, working through the 2022 season.
Throughout his life, he was involved in many organizations and associations. His affiliations included Masonic Lodge Willard No. 620 AF & AM (Willard); Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32° Valley of Joplin, Orient of Missouri; York Rite Chapter No. 15 (Springfield); Zabud Council No. 25 (Springfield); St. John’s Commandery No. 20; Knight York Cross of Honor Priary No. 17; Order of the Eastern Star Crescent Chapter No. 21 (Springfield); Order of the Eastern Star Queen City Chapter No. 26 (Springfield); Missouri Show Me State Grand Representatives Club; Missouri Retired Teachers Association and Public School Personnel; National Association of Parliamentarians; Missouri State High School Athletic Association (secretary for 21 years); Central Ozark Conference (secretary/treasurer); and Phi Delta Kappa.
Bledsoe accepted Christ at a young age. He served as both a deacon and Sunday school teacher in his church for several decades.
He is preceded in death by his parents and three older siblings: Leon, Fern and Martha.
He is survived by the love of his life, Janice, his wife of 63 years; their only child Mary Elizabeth (Beth), of Springfield; two grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Jan. 6 at Greenlawn East Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 7 at Hamlin Baptist Church. A graveside service will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.