James A. Palmer, 68, of High Ridge died May 25, 2020, in High Ridge. Mr. Palmer was a testing technician who worked in the heating and cooling industry for 40 years, running his own business from 1986 until his retirement. A graduate of Central Missouri State University, he oversaw the family’s horse hay business, Old Sugar Creek Farm, for more than 30 years. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, served on the National Environmental Balancing Board and was a member of the Associated Air Balance Council and the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau credential agencies. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and for touring the country, and was a member of the Euro Motor Union of Greater St. Louis. Born April 5, 1951, in Decatur, Ill., he was the son of the late Adelaide Meikle and Lloyd Palmer.
He is survived by his wife: Carol (Vogel) Palmer; a son: Robert B. Palmer of High Ridge; a brother: Robert Palmer; his mother-in-law: Faith Vogel; a sister-in-law: Nancy Vogel; and a friend: Cassidy Warne.
A memorial gathering will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, 777 Oakwood Drive, in Fenton. A celebration of life will be held 4-6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the family home. The family requests that attendees wear masks to services. Memorials may be made to the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer or KETC (Channel 90.