John R. Pearce, son of Jack L. and Lois (McCartney) Pearce, was born February 26, 1944, in Maryville, Missouri, and passed away January 26, 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 Master’s degree at Northwest Missouri State University, 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 25, 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; and 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, Indiana; Julie and David Weiss, Rachael, Connor, and Katie, Maryville; J.B. and Cindy Pearce and Aliyah, Fairfax; and Janae and Ryan McMahon and Amelia, Gretna, Nebraska.

A memorial service was held Monday, January 30, 2023, at Fairfax Christian Church, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to Community Hospital-Fairfax or Fairfax Christian Church. Services were under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig. Online condolences may be made at www.andrewshannfuneralhome.com.