James Lawrence Gebhardt

James L. Gebhardt, 87, Columbia, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

James was born in Sterling, Illinois on March 1, 1938, to the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (Rienstra) Gebhardt. On September 23, 1956, he married Janet Bertsch in Sterling, Illinois.  After school James worked at the local A&P grocery store for 3 years as a butcher.  James and Janet moved from Sterling, Illinois to Columbia in 1973.   He worked as a salesman for over 30 years with Northwestern Steel and Wire.  In more recent years, he drove dealer trade vehicles for several of the Columbia new car dealerships.  He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the $3 Golf Club and celebrated having hit a hole-in-one.  He was also a huge Mizzou and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

James is survived by his wife, Janet; three daughters, Debra Hellmann (Bob), Linda Dains (Mike) and Pamela Knowles (Jeff); one brother, Fred Gebhardt; four grandchildren, Dustin, Dillon, Andrea and Adam; and four great grandchildren, Connor, Owen, Kennedy and Millie.

James was also preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Ray.

The family would like to thank the staff of Memory 1 at Cedar Hurst for their loving care.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association in James’ honor.

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