James Eugene Busby, 69, died March 3, 2015, at home in Clinton, Mo., after a long battle with lung cancer – which also claimed his wife of 44 years, Suzetta, last November.

Jim and his fraternal twin were the talk of the county when Jim finally came into the world May 10, 1945, two full days after brother John was delivered in Maryville, Mo. Born to Byron and Neri (Robertson) Busby, the boys were raised along with two older sisters on a farm near Pumpkin Center in Northwest Missouri.

Jim excelled as an athlete at South Nodaway High School in Barnard, Mo. He was captain of the football team and played all four years, played basketball, ran track and was president of the Letterman's Club. After graduation in 1963, he attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, graduating with an agricultural economics degree in 1968. His job with the Soil Conservation Service brought him to Clinton, where he met Suzetta Braun. They were married in La Due, Mo., May 2, 1970. A job opportunity took the newlyweds to Minnesota, where they worked until returning a few years later to operate her family farm.

Over the years, Jim served on the Water District Board and was Field Creek Township Clerk. He was a member of the Clinton Elks Lodge. He loved farming, gardening, novels, popular music, travels to warm climates and his faithful dog, Scooby. Jim had a great sense of humor and a friendly personality. Jim will be remembered by his family as a farmer with a sunny disposition and a friend to all; always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a nephew. Survivors include his sisters, Beverly Elmore, Maryville, Mo., and Gerre Murphy, Lenexa, Kan.; his brother John and wife Kenda, Blue Springs, Mo.; seven nieces, two nephews, four great-nephews and cousins. Other relatives include his mother-in-law, Betty Braun, and sister-in-law, Sharlene Wirsig and husband Richard, Clinton, Mo.

A memorial service is planned at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Vansant Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Mo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clinton Elks Lodge.  Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com