Jimmy (Jim) Abbott of Walnut Grove, Missouri, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday August 21, 2017. He was surrounded by his family whom he loved dearly, and peacefully crossed over into his eternal heavenly home. Jim had just celebrated his 80 ^th birthday.

Jim was born on August 15, 1937 to Gene and Wilma (Killingsworth) Abbott who preceded him in death.  Jim began his education in the one room school of the Harold community and attended Walnut Grove High School. There Jim played basketball and football where he attained the nickname, "Bull" Abbott for his tenacity and play on the field. "Bull" turned down scholarships to play football at Southwest Missouri State College and the University of Oklahoma in Norman Oklahoma to farm and marry his high school sweetheart. He graduated in the class of 1955.

Jim and Rose Marie (Dutch) Kelley were united in marriage on July the 4 ^th 1957, and just celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary. To this union 3 children were born; Kenneth, Mike and Linda.  After graduation Jim started driving a milk truck for Producers Creamery, and from there went to work at Montgomery Metal Craft. In 1966 Jim started working at Gospel Publishing House in Springfield Missouri. He spent 30 years there retiring in 1996.

Jim attended Harold Baptist Church where he was a lifelong member. He served as a Deacon for many years and also led the singing which he took over from his father Gene Abbott. During his time at Harold he held many positions and served in various capacities, he dearly loved his church and his church family.

Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years Rose Marie (Kelley) Abbott, two sons Kenneth Eugene Abbott, Mike and Katy Abbott all of Walnut Grove Missouri and one daughter, Linda Marie and Brad Leamy of Fort Smith Arkansas. They have eight grandchildren Austin and Erica Abbott, Sarah Abbott, Erin and Robby Morisset, Kelly and Matt Palmer, Loren Leamy, Regan and Jose Martinez, Collin Leamy and Mathew Abbott. Their great grandchildren are, Easton, Drew, Oliver, Amelia, and Mallory with one on the way.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 6:00PM-8:00PM at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove, MO.  Funeral services will be at 10:00AM, Friday, August 25, 2017 at Harold Baptist Church, Walnut Grove, MO with burial to follow in Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, MO.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Jim's name to Harold Baptist Church Building Fund and may be left at the funeral home.