MESSMER, James Joseph

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 12/01/2006 James Joseph Messmer, 63, died Nov. 23, 2006. He was born March 23, 1943 in Savannah, Ill. to James R. and Vivian A. Messmer. He moved to Tucson at age 16. He enlisted in the Navy and became a barber and a Tucson police officer. It was then that he joined the Arizona Rangers. He moved to Round Valley in 1975 where he became a Deputy Marshall in Springerville and served as Chief of Police from 1982 - 1983. He retired from law enforcement and settled in St. Johns. He is survived by the love of his life, Dolores Messmer; daughters, Michelle (Ken) Bump and Lorraine Messmer; sons, James B. (Anne) Messmer and Edward Messmer; and grandchildren, James P. Messmer, Ryan Bump and Anthony Gill. James is also survived by his mother, Vivian Andrew; brother, Donald Messmer; and nephew, David Messmer. There will be no services as he insisted on "no fuss." James passed away on his property in St. Johns surrounded by the things he loved, his horse and dog, Louis Lamour books, hunting and fishing. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Burnham Mortuary of St. Johns handled arrangements.