James W. Huxel

James W. Huxel, 72, of Washington, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Jim was born in Washington on April 8, 1947, to the late Walter and Wilma (nee Wilkenloh) Huxel and grew up in Washington. He helped run his father’s business, West End Auto, at a young age when his father became too ill to work and was a devoted son to his mother until her death in 2007. He married the late Donna Jones on November 27, 1965, at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. He then served in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic in Europe. Following his military service, Jim worked at the Chrysler plant in Fenton, Missouri for 40 years before retiring in 1999. Jim was a quiet, practical man who found joy in fixing things around the house, maintaining his yard, working on his cars, and helping family members with projects.

He is survived by one son, David Huxel and partner Susan Watermann of Washington; one grandson, Micheal Huxel of Washington; three siblings-in-law, Dorothy Shelton of Union, Shirley Coulter of Washington, and Melvin Meyer of Morrison; cousins, other relatives, and friends; and his devoted rescue Dachshund, Cheyenne, and several rescue cats.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 4 until 7 pm, with Military Honors commencing at 6pm at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Memorial donations are appreciated to Mutts-N-Stuff, an animal rescue group.

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