Jimmy Bland, son of the late Charles “Seed” Bland and Ruth Barton Bland, was born on March 20, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and departed this life on May 22, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 78 years.
Mr. Bland was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was the former owner of Bland Insurance and Dexter Queen in Dexter Missouri, a member of First Baptist Church in Dexter, and a resident of Dexter.
Jim was a 1964 graduate of Dexter High School. He was an amazing athlete leading the Dexter Bearcats to a perfect 10-0 season his senior year. He averaged a first down every time he carried the ball and accomplished the unbelievable feat of leading all of Southeast Missouri in scoring his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years. He was recruited by many outstanding college football programs and played at the University of Arkansas, finishing his career at Southeast Missouri State.
Jim had a very distinguished Military Career, becoming an Infantry Officer, Airborne Ranger and one of the best of the best in the Army, graduating from Special Forces School and wearing the Green Beret. He then had an outstanding career in the Missouri Army National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel after 29 years of exemplary service.
On March 31, 1979, in Dexter, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Judy Jerls. Mrs. Bland survives of their home in Dexter.
Along with his wife, Judy, he is survived by his daughter, Lori Bland Buck of Dexter, Missouri; by his brother, Charles Lyle Bland of Fulton, Missouri; by his grandson, Keiton Buck of Dexter, Missouri; by two nephews, Bart Bland and wife Debbie of Wentzville, Missouri, and Doug Bland and wife Beth of Wentzville, Missouri.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Judy Bland.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Charles Kruse and Greg Mathis officiating. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to 18 Fore Life, c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.
