James E. Fiscus

James E. “Jim” Fiscus, 95, of Rolla, Missouri, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James.

Born on May 23, 1930, in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, to Elmer and Florence Fiscus, Jim grew up in a small-town environment that shaped his lifelong values of discipline, curiosity, resilience, and appreciation for simple pleasures. As a boy he loved exploring the woods with his dog Trixie and working at a local dog kennel. After high school he entered the Army, where a spontaneous decision to take a West Point aptitude test instead of standing in the snow led him to the United States Military Academy. He graduated in 1955, later earning master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri–Rolla.

Jim served his country for 29 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His career included assignments in Vietnam, Germany, Korea, and Fort Bragg, where he met his wife, Alverta. Among his many honors were the Legion of Merit, Master Parachutist wings, Ranger Tab, and recognition as a HALO Jump Expert. In 1961 he helped set a world record for the highest mass parachute jump, leaping from 35,700 feet. He and Alverta married on November 2, 1961, and together built a life centered on family, service, and commitment to others.

After leaving the Army, Jim continued to serve his community as a Boy Scout District Executive for the Ozark Trails Council and later as Plant Manager at Talema Electronics in St. James. In retirement he devoted fourteen years to AARP Tax-Aide, assisting seniors and families with their taxes. He found quiet joy in card games, board games, Sudoku, word puzzles, woodworking, reading the news, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, attending local theater, traveling, and gathering with family at Christmas. He was a longtime member of Kiwanis, AARP, and the Association of the United States Army.

Jim is survived by his wife, Alverta Fiscus of Rolla, Missouri; his children, Johnnie Beth Fiscus-Jost and husband Brian of Rolla, James M. Fiscus and wife Lara of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jerald E. Fiscus of O’Fallon, Illinois; and eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Jennifer, Scott, Adam, Moira, Colin, Josiah, and Alma Jo.