Obituary Notice: James “Gumby” Hemby

James “Gumby” Hemby, 65, of Puxico, Mo., died January 1 at his home of cancer. He worked about 35 years in the industry, beginning at Huffman Towing Company, and then at Alter Barge Line, where he spent more than 20 years and became a chief engineer. Later, he worked for Southern Towing, where he worked until about three years ago.

His son, also James, worked in the industry for about 10 years. James II said his father’s ashes will be scattered at the Cairo Point, “in case any of his friends that drive by want to give him the old towboat salute.”