JAMES R. “APPLE” APPLEBY was born in Taylorville, Illinois, on August 21, 1937 and passed away on July 24, in Pasadena, Texas.
Jim Appleby is survived by his wife of 40 happy years, Beverly C. Appleby, his sisters Nina Sue Konneman and Sally Arminta Appleby Miller and his stepsons Patrick (Phyllis) McDougall and Christopher McDougall. He is also survived by his grandchildren Victoria McDougall, AJ Chappa, Justin McDougall, Shawn McDougall and one great granddaughter, Shaelynn McDougall; nephews Charley (Carol) Miller, Daniel Miller and Michael (Beth) Miller; nieces Alana (Steve) Miller, and Denise Konneman. Additionally, Jim is survived by his brother-in-law Charles Miller and great nephews Mike (Jamie) Miller, Brad (Kelly) Miller, Jacob Konneman, Alex (Holly) Konneman; great niece Nina Sue (Patrick) Ross; and many great-great nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his father James A. Appleby, mother Eleanor T. Appleby, sister Luann Miller, stepson Mark McDougall and nephew Al Konneman.
Jim had many interests and hobbies. He loved boating and had quite a few boats throughout his life. He loved cruising up and down the Mississippi River with his wife Bev in his favorite houseboat they named “Apple’s Easy Livin’”. If anyone needed to find them on any weekend or holiday they had to contact the Harbormaster in Hannibal, Missouri…their home away from home. He also loved the Native American culture and collected artifacts from many tribes around the United States. He felt a kinship with the Indigenous Peoples. Jimmy loved to play pinochle with his family on any occasion possible. It became an Appleby tradition at Christmas to play pinochle and the winner’s names were engraved on a plaque kept up by his nephew, Charley Miller. Jimmy has his name on that plaque several times. It gave the winners “bragging rights” that lasted until the next Christmas. And Jim was always one of the most sought out partners to have because of his knowledge and sense of humor that would have everyone in stitches from laughing at his antics. Jim also loved to travel and had been from coast to coast and abroad. Several trips he and his wife made in the Jaguar convertible, a one-of-a-kind car they bought from a casino in Reno, Nevada. He loved fast cars! He also collected gemstones and precious metals, especially Black Hills gold and turquoise. South Dakota was on his top 5 places to visit. In fact, he, his wife Bev, sister Luann and her husband Charles Miller were vacationing in South Dakota when the tragic terrorist attack of 9/11 happened in NYC. All national monuments were closed and there was a “no-fly” order by then President G. W. Bush that made their trip all the more interesting! Apple loved family and friends and any chance he had to visit or have visitors to their home. He was always a wonderful storyteller and had so many tales, perhaps slightly embellished, that everyone left with a big grin on their faces.
Jim attended Webster High School in Webster, Missouri, was a member of Overland Christian Church in Overland, Mo., and was an inspector for Missouri Metal Shaping in Overland where he retired. During his 30 year employment he insisted on the highest quality product as he crafted Aerospace parts for some of the biggest defense contractors in the United States.
Jim was a unique individual with a great wit, compassion and always ready to lend a helping hand. Everyone that knew him will have a special memory that will last forever. Jim Appleby lived the words written in Frank Sinatra’s song and truly “He Did It His Way”.
In lieu of flowers, Jim requested any contributions be made to:
Overland Christian Church
2200 Lackland Road
Overland, MO 63114