James Ferguson

James Sherrils Ferguson, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of 70 years to Shirley Mae Ferguson; cherished son of the late Walter and Lillie Ferguson; devoted father of Michele (James) Anthony, Steve (Cindy) Ferguson, James D. (Cheryl) Ferguson and Mark A. (Nancy) Ferguson; loving grandfather of Alex (Melissa) Haynie, Meredith Larock, Julia Armstrong, James A. (Caitlyn R.) Ferguson, Elizabeth A. Ferguson, Rachel L. Ferguson, Patrick T. Ferguson, Kelly Anne Ferguson, Sean (Emily) Coady and Kyle Coady, and Griffin Bailey; great grandfather of Charles and Caroline Haynie, Aubrey and Tre Larock and Maddox Peet. James is preceded in death by his three sisters: Cleta Gregory, Bernice McCabe, and Helen King. 

James proudly served in the United States Air Force for 23 years from 1952-1975. While in the Air Force he performed maintenance work for several important weapons platforms such as the Minuteman missile, the B-52 bomber and the C-130 cargo plane, among others. One of his greatest achievements in the Air Force was as the crew chief working on a B-52. Under his direction his team was cited for achieving 119 consecutive on-time takeoffs. In 1975 he was honorably discharged at the rank of Master Sergeant and began his life as a civilian. As a civilian he worked in various civil service jobs until his final retirement in 1998.

Much of his free time was spent working on projects at home such as building furniture, some of which are still in their apartment today. When he did go out, he enjoyed dancing.

After completing his service to his country, he shortly thereafter began his service to his God as he committed his life to the Lord Jesus. As a result of his conversion James became a fervent studier of God’s word.

When he passed away he was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in St. Charles, MO. Previously, he was an active member of Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis. While attending there he was ordained as a deacon and served as a Sunday School teacher for many years as well as assisting in Children’s ministry. In 2009 he was recognized as Senior Adult of the year by Parkway.

As a final gesture of his selflessness and concern for others he donated his brain to the Washington University Memory and Aging Project, a program that both he and mom participated in several years before. James was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in his name to the charity of the donor’s Choice.

Baue Funeral Homes is currently following CDC recommendations regarding mask and social distancing policies.