James Arthur Updike

James Arthur Updike, 89, formerly of Nixa, passed away Feb. 24, 2022. He was born on June 18, 1932, in Ashland, Ill., the son of Arthur and Virginia (Edwards) Updike.
James married Joyce Buttner on Jan. 2, 1953. They had three children, James, Gary and Debbie. Updike was retired from Tyson Foods, where he and his wife, Joyce (Jodie) were a husband and wife over the road trucking team. He was of the Baptist faith and honorably served his country in the US Navy. He had been a resident of the Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon since 2016.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Joyce, two sisters, Barbara Morris and Clara Marie and his parents.
Updike is survived by his three children and their spouses, James “Jim” Updike and wife Patricia of Republic, Gary Updike and wife Suzan of Monett, and Debbie Martucci and husband Carl of Bradenton, Fla., 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as other extended family and friends.
Updike will be inurned in the niches at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, with full honors, at a later date to be determined by the family.