John R. Pearce, son of Jack L. and Lois (McCartney) Pearce, was born February 26th, 1944 in
Maryville, Missouri and passed away January 26th, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

John was the youngest of three boys; he and his brothers, Jack and Jim, were raised in Fairfax,
Missouri. John enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his grandpa McCartney on the
family farm, which sparked his interest in the field of agriculture. John graduated from Fairfax
High School in 1962. He received his BS degree in Ag Education from the University of Missouri- Columbia in 1967. He then completed his Masters degree at NWMSU Maryville in 1972.

John taught Ag education and was the FFA sponsor, beginning his teaching career at South
Harrison, Albany, and Craig High Schools. He spent the last 24 years of his teaching career at
Rock Port High School, retiring in 1996. Mr. Pearce, as his students knew him, was a dedicated
teacher and advisor, spending countless hours assisting his students with various ag related
projects both in and out of the classroom. His ultimate goal in his teaching career was to ensure
his students had an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience. Many of his students
considered him not only a teacher, but also a friend.

John was a “people-person” and loved socializing, joking, and teasing. He didn’t know a
stranger. Because he had an exceptional memory and a brain full of trivia and knowledge, he
was the ultimate conversationalist. He loved music and could often be found listening to Elvis,
the Eagles, Martina McBride or George Strait. He was a sports fan, but especially enjoyed
watching football; high school, college, or the Kansas City Chiefs.

Throughout his life, John helped with his family’s various businesses. He and his brother Jim
entered the fireworks business and John later branched out on his own, establishing Big John’s
Fireworks in 1970. Big John’s remains a family business as all his children, and now
grandchildren, are actively involved. Through the Pearce fireworks business, he and his brother
were able to help countless local youth and teachers alike, providing them seasonal
employment during the summer months.

John married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Jones, on September 25th, 1964. John and
Joyce returned to the family farm between Rock Port and Fairfax in 1970 where they raised their
four children, Jeff, Julie, J.B., and Janae, and resided for 43 years. John considered his family to
be his greatest accomplishment. He enjoyed being involved with his children’s activities and
supporting them in all their endeavors. He especially enjoyed being a grandpa to his seven
grandchildren, consistently loving and spoiling them; he was always ready with words of
wisdom, a hug, and a joke.

John was a lifelong member of the Fairfax Christian Church having served as a deacon and
elder. In his later years, as his health declined and he was unable to attend church services, he
remained a man of faith. He was a generous person with a giving heart and gentle soul. Not one
for recognition, he humbly supported his community in many different ways.

Preceding him in death were his parents Jack L. and Lois (McCartney) Pearce, brothers Jack in
1958 and Jim Pearce in 2014. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Joyce
of the home; children and grandchildren: Jeff and Stacy Pearce, Thalia and Fiona, West Point,
IN; Julie and David Weiss, Rachael, Connor, and Katie, Maryville, MO; J.B. and Cindy Pearce,
and Aliyah, Fairfax, MO; Janae and Ryan McMahon, and Amelia, Gretna, NE.

Visitation Sunday January 29th, 1 pm - 3pm, Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax, MO. Memorial
Service Monday January 30th, 2 pm, Fairfax Christian Church, Fairfax, MO.

Memorials may be directed to Community Hospital Association Fairfax or Fairfax Christian Church.

Arrangements: Schooler Funeral Home Fairfax/Craig