"The memory of the just is blessed"     - Proverbs 10:9

Having finished his mission here, Jim Tullock gloriously departed this world on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, to enter his Eternal Home! He left his robe of flesh to join Jesus in a place where his heart and treasure await.  Jim was a stranger and a pilgrim while here on Earth – always feeling out of place – never fitting in. But thankfully, he is Home now where he is loved, well known, and every longing is satisfied.  David, the Psalmist, said it best when he wrote "I shall be satisfied when I wake with Thy likeness".

It wasn't until Jim nearly drowned in the Meramec River that he was confronted with eternity up close and personal.  Up until that time, he had immersed himself in the pleasures of this world – alcohol, drugs, gambling, women – knowing deep inside that if he were to die, he was destined for hell.  The Holy Spirit began to convict his heart about his sinful condition and bring to mind John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life".

Shortly after the drowning incident, Jim was taking a shower – washing the outside, knowing full well, only Jesus could cleanse his heart and soul. He was a sinner in great need of a Savior.  Accepting that Jesus had willingly laid down His life for him, he got down on his knees right there in the shower and asked Jesus to forgive him of all his sins and make his heart His Home! God is faithful and He did just that!  God gave Jim a complete makeover that day, and Jim became a faithful servant of the Most Holy God!

As a faithful servant, traveling on the straight and narrow path, Jim began laying up treasures in Heaven. He dedicated the gifts and talents God conceived in him to bring His Father Glory and advance His Kingdom.  Jim wanted nothing more than to do His Father's will – not his own.  He gladly surrendered his time, energy, and resources to further the Kingdom of God.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he purchased airline tickets for poor Jewish couples struggling to return to Israel, their cherished homeland.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he opened up his heart and home to twenty-seven boys and girls in foster care. He became a father-figure to broken, wounded souls who had only known pain and violence.  He took an active role in their lives helping to restore hope in them by showing them firsthand the face of gentleness.  Thus, proving to them that kindhearted men really do exist today.  He helped to create an atmosphere of love, warmth, and acceptance in the home, allowing these children the freedom to become the young adults they were created to be with no fear of being judged.  For many children, it was the first time they felt safe enough to actively pursue their dreams.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he purchased food each month to make sandwiches - then delivering them to the homeless on the streets of St. Louis.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he took into his home a helpless, elderly widow who needed love, encouragement, and around-the-clock care in her final years.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he unexpectedly received an inheritance from an aunt who passed away, and he donated it all to the Bourbon Backpack Club to feed hungry children who would otherwise do without food on the weekends.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he gave away his much-loved truck, "Old Blue", to an impoverished college student with only a bicycle for transportation.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he drove two hundred miles one cold, wintry Christmas Eve to deliver Christmas presents to an impoverished family he had never met, so these precious kiddos would not be left out.

Jim was laying up treasures in Heaven when he rescued some of God's smallest creatures from starvation.  He was instrumental in saving the lives of countless dogs and cats by placing them in loving homes – giving them a second chance at life.

Jim was an amazing man.  To those who knew him well, it certainly comes as no surprise that he requested no funeral, no memorial service, and above all – no tears! It was his utmost desire to slip away as quietly as he lived – drawing no attention to himself.

In honor of a life well-lived, do something kind for someone today.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Frank Tullock.

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Bonnie Tullock of Bourbon, MO; his mother, Emma Tullock of Seymour, MO; three sons: Joey Tullock of IN, Matthew Tullock and wife Megan of TX, and Matt Tullock of IL; six grandchildren: Ethan, Cain, Zoey, Josi, Allie, and Brianna; one brother, Ed Tullock and wife Sherri of Seymour, MO; one sister, Louise Tullock of Sullivan, MO; and many other relatives and friends.