James R. (John) Abbott

James R. “John” Abbott, 74, of Maryville, MO, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2014, at the Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness,

John was born on January 6, 1940, in Cole City, IA, his parents were Lee Roy and Evelyn (VanDyke) Abbott, and preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his brother, Edward Abbott, and 2 sisters, Gracia Jean Johnson, and Ellen Sleeth.

John delivered papers in his youth, and by age 14 was working at his local Hy-Vee Food Store. 32 years later John retired as the Manager from the Maryville Hy-Vee Store. He had several appointments with Hy-Vee prior to moving to Maryville in 1981.
Later John and Suzanne owned and operated 2 Adventure Land Video stores, and for 7 years was the Director of Transportation for the Maryville R-II School District.

John and Suzanne Bonel were united in marriage on June 25, 1960, at St. Anthony’s Church, in Rathburn, IA. While in the hospital, John would often correct his nurses stating that he and Suzanne had been together since age 15 and that she was his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, and not just his wife.

John was of the Catholic faith. He was a past member of the Maryville Chamber of Commerce, the Maryville Host Lions Club, the Maryville Public Library Board; he volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and had been a member of the Nodaway Archery Club, now known as NODOHO.

John leaves behind his wife, Suzanne, of the home; 3 children, his son, Jeff (Vickie) Abbott, and children, Bryce and Blake Abbott, Lee's Summit, MO; his 2 daughters, Lorraine Bowers (Matt Rock), St. Joseph, MO, and children, Jessica and Rachel Bowers; and Dena Gross, and children, Alex and Brett Gross, St. Joseph, MO; his brother, Arthur “Sonny” (Jean) Abbott, Wayland, IA, and his sister in law, Kathy Martin (Marlin Wineland); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, March 10, 2014, at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. The burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, also of Maryville.
The family will receive friends from 4-6:00 PM, Sunday, March 9, 2014, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association, or the Maryville Public Library, 5th and Main Streets, Maryville, MO 64468.

For online condolences and guest book, visit www.bramfuneralhome.com