James Walter (J.W.) Scheets, the son of Randle and Piney Sirdoreus Scheets, was born on July 18, 1943 in Yukon, Missouri and passed away on Feb. 19, 2026 at Houston, Missouri, making his age 82 years, seven months and one day. J.W. was united in marriage to Clara Lou Sigman on April 16, 1965. To this union, two sons were born: Darrell James Scheets and Darren Ray Scheets.
J.W. grew up in the Yukon area, attending grade school in Yukon and graduating from Houston High School in 1961. J.W. grew up assisting in the country store that his parents operated in Yukon, Missouri, by hauling MFA feed out of the back and making deliveries. In his adult years, he worked for MFA Producers Creamery, Mid-America Dairymen, Inc and Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. as the company grew. He made many lifelong friends at the plant while running the “stacker.” Friends he worked with knew him as “Gus.” He was fortunate to retire after serving the company for 35 years at the age of 55.
J.W. was an active member, deacon, trustee and Sunday School Superintendent of Big Creek Church in Yukon, Missouri, from the old church building across from the cemetery to assisting in the building and maintenance of the new Big Creek Church. J.W. was saved at an early age and rededicated his life to Christ at a revival held by Oscar Cunningham. Many Sundays were spent singing and praising God with fellow church members. He served on the board of the Big Creek Cemetery for many years.
J.W. enjoyed the outdoors, preferably on a golden palomino named Scooter, and later Princess, for miles with family and good friends, including Verl Dawson and others. Bird hunting was another favorite pastime, and he was able to share this with his sons, grandsons and granddaughter. He was blessed to be able to spend all his life in the community that he was born into. John Deere tractors were green, and green was his color. Summertime was meant for gardening, growing more than was needed just to share the produce with friends. In later years, mornings were spent at Hardee’s and McDonald’s with the crew.
Preceding J.W. in death are his parents, brothers, Virgil and Billy (Bessie); sister, Delma (Kermit) Haney; his parents-in-law, Lawrence and Ethel Sigman; brothers-in-law, Raymond Sigman (Gertie), James Sigman (Betty), Harold Hoar and Dean Stogsdill; and sister-in-law, Annie Hutson (Leroy).
Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Clara Scheets; sons, Darrell (Shirley) and Darren (Tammy); grandchildren, Jake (Lynsey) Scheets, Cory (Ellie) Scheets and Kenzie (Nick) Harlan; great-grandchildren, Mylie, Aubrie, Willa, Huntley, Paisley, Ripp, Adalynn and Rowdy; brother, Benny (Geneva) Scheets; sisters-in-law, Wilmadene Scheets, Mable Hoar and Virginia Stogsdill; brothers-in-law, Elmer and Delmar Sigman, along with many nieces and nephews.
J.W. left a legacy of love and a strong showing of his faith with Clara by his side, spending over sixty years together. A man of faith who stood tall for his beliefs, and will, without a doubt, be met in Heaven with the ones who went before.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Big Creek Church with Pastor David Jett officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Jake Scheets, Cory Scheets, Nick Harlan, Greg Huffman, Paul Kyle and Jason Hughes. Interment is in the Big Creek Cemetery, with JW taking his last ride in a horse-drawn wagon, driven by his sons, Darrell and Darren. Services are under the care of Bradford Funeral Home and online condolences may be left at www.bradfordfuneralhome.net.