James "Tiny" William Thoenen

James “Tiny” William Thoenen, age 77, of Linn, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Westphalia Hills, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born April 5, 1949, in Jefferson City, a son to the late Edward “Ed” and Betty “Bets” Thoenen.

He was a 1967 graduate of Fatima High School and received his bachelor's degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Jim earned his teaching certificate from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and then he attended University of Kirksville to earn his math certification.

On June 21, 1975, he was united in marriage to Merilee Barnes at the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church in Raytown, Missouri. She survives at their home.

Jim was a retired teacher. He began teaching in 1971 and taught at Chamois, Linn and Fatima until 1996. From 1996 until 2005 he taught at Linn Technical College. In 2005, Jim taught GED classes at the Church Farm Prison for the Missouri Department of Corrections until 2007. He then went to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Jim was certified to teach grades K-12 PE, 7-9 History, 7 – secondary education, Math, High School Computers, post-secondary Communications, and Post secondary Residential Wiring. He coached and refereed for many years, influenced many youth with his coaching.

He was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein. Jim was also a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, Camping Club and a former member of the Linn Lions Club.

Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and woodworking however his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his spouse of 51 years, Merilee, Jim is survived by: two children, Katrina Koenigsfeld and her husband Jamie of Frankenstein and Tim Thoenen and his wife Sirenia of Sunrise Beach; six grandchildren, Amber Koenigsfeld, Abby Mueller and her husband Austin, Emma Koenigsfeld, Zach Koenigsfeld all of Frankenstein, Jake Thoenen of Kodiak, Alaska, and Max Thoenen of Kansas City; one great granddaughter, Daisy Mueller with another great grandson due in September, 2026; three brothers, Joe (Donna) Thoenen of Linn, Jeff (Peggy) Thoenen of Willard and Ed (Stacy) Thoenen of Linn; four sisters, Peggy (John) Hemeyer of New London, Ruth (Dennis) Block of Loose Creek, Rose Thoenen of Loose Creek and Jean Hall of Jefferson City; two sisters-in-law, Betty Thoenen of Frankenstein and Sarah (Dallas) Thoenen of Linn; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Jerry Thoenen; brother-in-law, George Barnes and his wife Betty; a niece, Melissa Block and a nephew, Chad Thoenen.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Gethsemane Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Mary’s School in Frankenstein.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton Chapel, Linn, Missouri (897-2214)  www.mortonchapel.com