[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 182 (Friday, November 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES THEODORE HERFURTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 3, 2023

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
life of James ``Jim'' Theodore Herfurth, who passed away peacefully in 
his home on November 1, 2023, in Osage Beach, Missouri.
  Jim was born on July 21, 1937, to parents Theodore and Mathilda 
Herfurth in Eldon, Missouri. He attended Eldon High School where he 
played forward for the Mustangs Basketball team. The team ultimately 
won the State Championship in 1954, and Jim graduated in 1955. He 
continued his education at the University of Missouri, graduating in 
1959 with a BS degree in banking and finance, and commissioning as a 
second lieutenant in the United States Army Artillery. He was stationed 
at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he served as a Finance Officer and as 
adjutant for the Target Artillery Department. His passion for his 
country led him to extend his original tour for an additional year due 
to the Berlin Crises.
  After leaving active duty, Jim began his finance career with IBM in 
Kansas City, Missouri. In 1964, he began his 35-year banking career 
with Central Trust Bank in Jefferson City, Missouri while 
simultaneously joining the 420th Civil Affairs National Guard Reserve 
Unit. During his career with the Central Bank organization, Jim rose 
through the operations and loans divisions, as well as the ranks of the 
Missouri National Guard, until Central Bancompany's acquisition of Bank 
of Lake of the Ozarks in 1987. Jim was then named President and CEO of 
the newly named Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks, and he earned his 
rank of Colonel in the Missouri National Guard.
  Passionate about his community, Jim left a mark wherever he lived. 
His commitment to his community was evidenced through his involvement 
in the new construction of roads and bridges, economic development 
through Central Bank, public schools, YMCA, hospitals, and the Dogwood 
Animal Shelter. He had a strong sense of community and worked hard to 
make his home a better place for everyone.
  Although a busy man, Jim still found time to enjoy his hobbies. He 
loved to play golf, spending an equal amount of time playing as he did 
trying to convince his grandchildren to play. When he wasn't golfing, 
Jim was snow skiing, visiting Palm Springs, or visiting he and his 
wife's friends in Tucson, Arizona.
  Left to cherish his memory is his wife Marjorie M. Herfurth; his two 
children from his marriage in 1961 to Barbara A. Silvers: daughter, 
Kimberly Herfurth Ayscue of Franklinton, North Carolina; son, J. 
Matthew Herfurth and his wife Jeane Herfurth of Madison, Mississippi; 
his four grandchildren: Michael and Andrew Boyleir; daughter, Grace, of 
Monet, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara 
Herfurth Moffitt.
  Jim's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and 
community. He will be deeply missed by all whom he encountered.