James Arthur Updike

James Arthur Updike, 89, formerly of Nixa, passed away on Feb. 24, 2022. He was born on June 18, 1932, in Ashland, Ill., the son of Arthur and Virginia (Edwards) Updike.
Updike married Joyce Buttner on Jan. 2, 1953. Updike was retired from Tyson Foods, where he and his wife, Joyce (Jodie) were a husband and wife over the road trucking team. He honorably served his country in the US Navy. He had been a resident of The Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon since 2016.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, two sisters, Barbara Morris and Clara Marie and his parents.
Updike is survived by his three children and their spouses, James “Jim” Updike (Patricia) of Republic, Gary Updike (Suzan) of Monett and Debbie Martucci (Carl) of Bradenton, Fla., six grandchildren, 14 great- grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
He will be inurned in the niches at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, with full honors, at a later date to be determined by the family.