James Anderson Peth

James Anderson Peth was born in Bland, Missouri, October 5th, 1921. He passed away Saturday evening, December 10th, 2011. Jim is the son of Edward Charles Peth and his wife Ethie Clementine Phelps Peth. He attended schools in Bland and graduated from the Bland High School in 1939. He was an avid athlete and played on basketball teams in the finals at state tournaments.
He was married to Erna Drewel October 11, 1941, at the Zion Evangelical Church. The Reverend Roy Stock was the church minister at that time. He entered military service in December of 1943 and received training in intelligence and reconnaissance at Camp Fannin, Texas. He served in "Old Hickory" infantry division in Europe and was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. He attained the ranking of Staff Sergeant having fought in the "Lost Battalion" in the Battle of the Bulge.
After World War II, Jim worked for 13 years as the fitting room foreman for the International Shoe Company. He became the Postmaster in Bland and retired after 26 years. Jim was active in community affairs. He served as President and council member of the Zion United Church of Christ, now Zion Evangelical Free Church, where he has been a member for over 50 years. He was a choir member for over 50 years, Sunday school superintendent, boy Scout Master, Little League Manager, Commander of the local VFW, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer when the City Park was purchased, Lions Club officer, Booster Club member, honorary life member of the Gasconade County Bible Society, President of the Tri County Postmasters Club, and a life member of the Historical Society.
He is survived by son Steven Peth and Jennie Peth of St. Louis, sister in law Mrs. Forrest Peth, nephew Raymond Peth and family, niece Patty Reiker and family, niece Sally Schaves and son, nephew Kem Steiner and family, and nephew Ned Steiner and family
He is preceded in death by his wife Erna, brothers Walter and Forrest, sister Maymie Schaves, nephew Ronnie Schaves, and sister in law Erlene Steiner.