Jimmy (Jim) Dale Tanner
Jimmy Tanner of Des Peres, MO, passed away peacefully at the Family Partners Home in Ballwin, Missouri on September 28, 2021 at the age of 83. His wife, Charlotte could always be found by his side.
He was born on July 27, 1938 in East Prairie, MO. He was one of 10 children born to his parents Irma Mable Tanner and David Normal Tanner. He was preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 with his high school sweetheart Charlotte Ann Moss. They married in January 1958 and went on to have 4 children, Scott (Betty), Craig, Shirley (Tammy) and Robert. Jim retired from Aerotronics as a Vice President when he was 58 years old.
Jim and Charlotte had an incredible life together, married 63 years. As young parents they began boating, camping and built a lake house at Lake of the Ozarks which Jim designed – he was a draftsman by trade. In the 1980’s they raced offshore boats on the Great Lakes and had a very successful run. In 1997 Jim raced Don Johnson (Miami Vice) on the Great River Race from New Orleans to St. Louis. Although Don Johnson prevailed, it was an exciting time in the Tanner Family on Team Wildcat. They rode motorcycles, traveled to car races, boat shows, RV shows and wintered in Florida for 22 years where they made countless friends. They also enjoyed traveling to see friends all over the country and taking family vacations each year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pedal the Cause (www.pedalthecause.org).
Jimmy requested no funeral service or celebration of life. We will honor his wishes.
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” – Clarence Budington Kelland
Truly lovely tribute to a life well lived. Love to all of you.
This is the most awesome video I have ever seen. So glad you shared it to all of the village. So grateful Shirley and Scott you were born….deepest sympathy Shirley and Tammy and Scott and Betty. How you included them in your daily lives was priceless. All our love Dave and Susie
Beautiful goodbye of your loved one , in a manner which he would approve of .
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Tanner family during this time! I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing… he was someone that I could always learn something from… like docking a boat, tying a knot, or parking a bus… it was always something new to me, and I appreciate those memories 🙂 I know he’ll be missed by so many! RIP Mr. Tanner!
I don’t think Uncle Jimmy knew how much I looked up to him. I knew him as an entrepreneur (gravel tables and dune buggies), a racer (cars, motorcycles, boats), and just a fun guy to exchange stories and jokes with. When I was very young I remember Jimmy challenged and beat the baddest muscle cars at the drag strip with his over-horse-powered yellow VW Beetle. Me and my high school hot rod buddies went to him for advice on how to start our own car club. He taught me how to work on my dirt bike as a kid, and as an adult he supported me as I started my road racing career. He’d listen intently as I told him about my racing experiences and he understood like others couldn’t. Once he accepted my offer to take him for an at-speed ride on the racetrack; it was a blast. At car shows we spent hours walking around exchanging stories about cars and life. Many times we enjoyed sharing stories and jokes about my dad, like we spent hours doing just a couple months ago. He is missed.
Jim was a really great guy and a great team member at Aerotronics.