Dr. James I Spainhower, age 90, passed away Dec. 12, 2018. He was the youngest of 14 children, he was born in Stanberry, Missouri on Aug. 3, 1928 to Elmer and Stella Cox Spainhower. Upon graduation from maryville High School, he attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma., where he received a B.A. in history. He also received a B.A. in divinity, a master's in political science and a PhD in political science. James was awarded numerous honorary doctorates from colleges and universities across the country. On June. 10, 1950, he married Joanne Steanson of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Once ordained, he began his ministry in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In Missouri, he had pastorates in Marshall, and was elected state representative of Saline County, seat he held until 1970. In 1972, He was elected Missouri state treasurer and in 1976 was elected his second term. After his term as state treasurer, he was president of the School of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, and later at Lindenwood College in St. Charles, as wall as president of the Division of Higher Education for the Disciples of Christ denomination. He was survived by his wife of 68 years, Joanne Spainhower; two children, Janet Martin (Ron) and Jeff Spainhower (Anne-Marie); three grandchildren, Katharyn and Tyler Martin, and Theckla Spainhower; and two sisters, Charlotte Allen and Esther Dean; along with numerous nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elmer and Stella Spainhower, and 11 siblings, Hazel Waldo, Marjorie Hagey, Clarence Spainhower, Garnett Williams, Herbert Spainhower, Mary Ruth Spainhower, William Wayne "Jack" Spainhower, E.E. Spainhower, Annie Margaret Spainhower, John Spainhower, and Alice Olson.