Funeral services for James Lee Gaw, 88, of Center, will be at 12:00 PM Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Spencer Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Hoehn and Pastor Randy McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the Union Chapel Cemetery.

   Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.

   Bienhoff Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Mr. Gaw passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at his residence in Center.

   He was born October 25, 1937 in Pike County the son of Ralph and Edith Kerr Gaw.

   Jim married Edna Sue Lane on September 29, 1957 and they shared 68 years together.

   Survivors include his wife Edna Sue Gaw of Center, one son; James Odell (Pat) Gaw of Jefferson City, one daughter; Susan (Mike) Munford of Mexico, two brothers; Ralph (Barb) Gaw of Tipton and Bobby (Charlotte) Gaw of Warrensburg, one sister; Betty Sue (William) Barber of Vandalia, five grandchildren; Erica (Austin) Gillilan, Brent Gaw, Brittany (Kendall Groves) Munford, Madison Munford, and Tina (Andy) Claus, seven great grandchildren; Axl, Ryker, and Zane Gillilan, Kinser and Kahne Groves, Mathew and Ben Claus, one sister-in-law Cheri Gaw, and one brother-in-law Darrel Hogue, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Joe Gaw and Danny Gaw, and one sister Carol Ann Hogue.

   Jim was a lifelong area resident who dedicated 41½ years of service to Harbison-Walker Refractories before his retirement. He enjoyed dancing alongside his beloved wife, Edna Sue, as well as golfing. Jim took great pride in maintaining his yard and keeping his property looking its best. Above all, he cherished the life he built with his family and the many memories they shared together.

   Pallbearers will be Brent Gaw, Kinser Groves, Kahne Groves, Kendall Groves, William Barber, and Mike Munford,

   Memorial contributions may be made to Spencer Creek Baptist Church or Union Chapel Cemetery and mailed in care of Bienhoff Funeral Home PO Box 212 Center, MO 63436.