James Phillip “Jim” Spizewski, age 80, passed away on March 31, 2026.

James Phillip “Jim” Spizewski was born October 2, 1945, in Forest Park, Illinois to Paul and Edith Spizewski. Jim grew up in Illinois, where he spent his early years working at various companies.

He was well-known for his culinary skills, especially as a cook at the VFW hall in Hanover Park, Illinois. In the 1990s, James and his wife Megan moved to Branson, Missouri, where they operated Big Jim’s Ozark Pub on Old Hwy 13, creating a welcoming space for friends and strangers alike.

Jim attended St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Kimberling City for many years and was a regular at the Kimberling Area Senior Center. He will be remembered for his passion for cooking and his artistic and creative skills, including painting and writing.

Jim entered into rest on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield at the age of 80.

His memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew him and he will be deeply missed by his family: daughter, Shari Lynn Spizewski of Aurora, IL; sons, Steven Paul Spizewski of Aurora, IL and Erik Spizewski of Chicago, IL; his step-daughter, Sarah Jayne Parker of Chicago, IL and former wife, Megan Harvey of Branson as well as his many friends.

Local arrangements are in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory with a special celebration being held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Kimberling City on April 11, 2026 at 1:00 pm and a second celebration of Jim’s life to be held in Illinois at a later date.