James Kohler, 93, of Palm Desert, Calif., died Jan. 14, 2022, in Palm Desert. Mr. Kohler was born in Antonia, a direct descendent of its founders. He was a hard worker and devoted family man with a mingled work and home life. He proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. A grocer and a butcher since his youth, he bought his first grocery store in Kohler City in 1950. In 1951 he opened Jim Kohler’s Country Store #1 in Imperial and added Jim Kohler’s Colonial Store #2 in Arnold in 1957. In 1959, he and his wife opened the Imperial House Restaurant. In 1963 the Kohlers bought the Sixty-One South Drive-In Theater, and in 1973 purchased and remodeled the former Miller Theater in Festus, turning it into the luxurious LaJade Theater. In 1970 they opened what became the largest flea market in Missouri.
After their retirement in 1985, the Kohlers enjoyed travel with each other and the blessings of home. After his wife, Robbie Mae (Livingston) Kohler, died in 2006, Mr. Kohler began spending winters with his daughter in California, moving there permanently in 2016. He learned to answer to “Jimmy,” and took up golf at the age of 79. He enjoyed golf, friends, parties and the warm weather, as well as his daughter’s dog, Susie. His infectious smile and quick wit became his trademark.
He is survived by two daughters: Cheryl (Robert) Tracy of Lake Suzy, Fla., and Karen “Susie” (the late Donald) Woolworth of Palm Desert, Calif.; two grandchildren: April (Ted) Algaier and Tiffany (Mike) Beard; two great-grandchildren: Conner and Jake Beard; nieces and nephews Ronald (Becky) Livingston, Sharon Rose (the late Ron) Livingston Forester, T.J. (Alice) Kohler, Artie (Beverly) Williams, Donnie Ray (Doris) Williams, Jimmie (Eleanor) Williams and Jon (Terry) Williams; and many friends.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Park Lawn Cemetery in south St. Louis County. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans. Arrangements are under the direction of Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin.