James Henry “Jim” Bilbro
James Henry “Jim” Bilbro, 78, of Shelbina, Missouri, was born on August 14, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri, and entered eternity peacefully with Becky sitting by his side on February 4, 2026.
Jim and his twin sister, Judy, spent their childhood in Kansas City before moving at age eight to Clarence, Missouri, where his father, Bill Bilbro, became the proud owner of Bilbro’s Grocery. Those early years and small-town roots helped shape Jim’s lifelong love for people, community, and faithful service.
Jim attended the University of Missouri in Columbia from 1965–1969, earning a degree in Finance. After college, he voluntarily entered the U.S. Army, serving two years as a Chaplain’s Assistant, including a year stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1972.
Following military service, Jim answered God’s call into ministry and attended Ozark Bible College, where he met Becky Hall, the love of his life. They were married on June 2, 1973, beginning a partnership grounded in faith that would span decades of ministry and family life.
In 1975, Jim accepted an opportunity for campus ministry at Christian Campus House at the University of Missouri. For the next 18 years, he faithfully poured into students, teaching Scripture, mentoring young believers, and leading many to Christ. During those years, Jim and Becky welcomed **three sons—Jason, Chris, and Jeff—**into their family, raising them to love God and follow Christ.
In 1993, Jim and Becky moved to Shelbina, Missouri, where Jim became the lead pastor of Shelbina Christian Church. For 24 years, he served as pastor and shepherd, faithfully teaching the Word, caring for people, and leading the church with humility and love. He retired from ministry in November 2019.
Jim’s greatest passions were Bible study, memorizing Scripture, and leading people to Jesus. His favorite saying—“Who might come back today?”—captured his eager hope in Christ’s return and his desire for everyone to be ready.
Above all, Jim loved his family. He cherished his wife, took great joy in his sons, and absolutely delighted in his grandchildren—Mirae, Mirielle, Haden, Asher, Rylan, Owen, and Emden. He loved spending time with them, being goofy, laughing, and making memories that will be treasured forever. He was also dearly loved by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends whose lives he touched through ministry and friendship.
Jim faithfully prepared his family for Christ’s return and leaves behind his wife Becky Bilbro; sons, Jason (Tatum) Bilbro, Chris (Jenny) Bilbro, and Jeff (Brady) Bilbro; and his grandchildren, who carry forward his legacy of faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Gen Bilbro; his twin sister Judy Dehner and her husband Dave Dehner; and his in-laws Don and Joyce Hall.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 13, 2026 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Shelbina Christian Church in Shelbina, Missouri. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m., also at Shelbina Christian Church, followed by the burial with full military honors in the Maplewood Cemetery of Clarence, Missouri. Livestream details will be shared when available.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shelbina Christian Church or Christian Campus House in Columbia, Missouri.
Jim lived ready—ready for Christ’s return, ready to love, and ready to serve. His legacy of faith continues through the lives he touched and the family he raised to follow Jesus.
