William Homer "Bill" Jamison Sr., 84, of Festus died July 8, 2026, after a two-year battle with pancreatic and lung cancer. Mr. Jamison, known to many as “Cowboy Bill,” grew up between St. Louis and Waterloo, Ill., and graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1960. Throughout his life, he worked for the Jonesboro Police Department, Union Pacific Railroad and the Missouri National Guard. He also worked for State Farm Insurance for 59 years as an insurance agent and a manager. In 2007, he founded Helping Hands and Horses, an organization born from his belief that compassion, service and the healing power of horses could change lives. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 47 years as well as a member of Festus/Crystal City Elks Lodge. He was known as a sportsman, adventurer and creative spirit. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and family, riding his Harley Davidson across North America, playing the drum set that he purchased in his 50s, reciting his original poetry, particularly his love odes to his granddaughters, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his friendship, mentorship and generosity. Born Jan. 9, 1942, in Little Rock, Ark., he was the son of the late Louise (Robinson) and Homer Jamison.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Linda Sue Warren, whom he married on Jan. 22, 1966; two children: Bill (Nicole) Jamison of Houston, Texas, and Robin Jamison of Festus; six grandchildren: Josephine, William and Patrick Jamison and Jamison, Cole and Vivian Pickerill; a sister: Susan Berry; and many other family members and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation will resume from 9 a.m. until services at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, at First United Methodist Church, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus, officiated by the Rev. Tish Green. Burial will be in St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre. Memorials may be made to Helping Hands and Horses, 1313 McNutt School Road, Festus, 63028. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.