James “Jim” C. Sanders, Sergeant, S.L.M.P.D., entered rest on Monday, September 15, 2025. He was a devoted husband and best friend of Rita Sanders (nee Beckemeier) for 31 years, loving father of James “Jimmy” (Alena) Sanders, Mark Sanders, and Anna Sanders, treasured son of Charlene H. and the late James P. Sanders, son-in-law of Clarice R. Beckemeier and the late Wilbur Beckemeier, brother-in-law of Randy (Linda) Beckemeier, and uncle of Daniel and David Beckemeier and the late Lauren Heryford. Jim was a hero, teammate, and friend to so many.
Born and raised in Saint Louis County, Missouri, Jim attended Lutheran High School South (Class of 1985). He then attended Tarkio College on a football scholarship, ultimately transferring to Southeast Missouri State University (Class of 1989), where he met the love of his life, Rita. They married in 1993. The same year, Jim began his career with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, where he served for 31 years.
Jim was a man of faith and integrity. He never met a stranger he wouldn’t help and committed his life to serving others. In his free time, Jim could be found playing hockey, walking Queeny Park with his family, and enjoying a tropical beverage poolside, listening to his “tunes”. Jim had a love for travel, with Mexico holding a special place in his heart. Whether exploring new places or soaking up the sun, he cherished the moments spent there with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and son, always striving to provide, protect, and be present. He worked tirelessly to care for his loved ones. His family was both his foundation and his greatest accomplishment.
Service: Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, on Friday, September 19, from 9 a.m. until time of service 12 Noon (Sameday). Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, or American Cancer Melanoma Research appreciated.
I am glad I knew Jim growing up. He was a good man. My prayers are with the family. I wish you would have had more years with him.
Jimbo was the best. He was hilarious and funny and kind. We lost a good one.
Condolences to the family.
I am a dear friend of your mother Charlene. I will walk with her and hold her hand through her grief.May you rest in peace.
I was his partner in the early 2000s in the 2nd district. He was one hell of a cop and an even better friend. You will be missed with your over the top funny personality.
My condolences to the family. I only knew Jim for a few years , but he was always friendly and happy. My prayers for his family.🙏
Godspeed to a Great Man. St. Michael can finally take a day off. Jim is more than capable of filling in and keeping a watchful eye over all of us. A special thanks to his family for sharing him with us.
Sorry for your loss Charlene and Rita and family.
A very special man!!! My heart and soul hurts for his family.
I miss my friend.
My heartfelt sympathy. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Lea Coates
My prayers are with the entire Sanders family.
Some of my fondest memories are with Jim in high school and college.
He was one of a kind, and always made me smile.
I will always remember the picture of him in the St. Louis Post Dispatch with his fist in the air after he was the lead blocker on the winning touchdown in the upset of Lutheran North.
One of the most passionate guys I know. I was so lucky to have had you as a friend!
One of my favorite humans to walk this earth with.
Jim was a great guy and a “Policeman’s Policeman”. He loved his family and worked very hard to provide for them. Jim will be greatly missed on the streets of St. Louis. You could always count on Jim. Godspeed my friend,
Sorry for your loss
Our neighborhood has lost a gem. Sending love to Rita, Jimmy, Mark, and Anna.
Patty Powers
I had a beer stand at Busch Stadium. Jim would pass my stand every night going to his place of work. He would always say Hi Mom to me and we would talk for awhile he was such a great guy. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Elaine. (MOM)
I have great memories with Jim in high school. I loved playing football with him. Rest in peace Jim!
I grew up with Jim. We frequently would play football in my backyard and occasionally fish at Suson Park. I lost contact with him over the years, but I was thinking about him on September 13th while playing pool with friends. He was a really good pool player and we would play pool in his basement. RIP Jim. The memories that you created will always rest in the hearts that knew and loved you. Prayers to Jim’s family and those who loved him.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Rita and kids are in our prayers. Your old Itaska neighbors! Sheri and Brad
My deepest condolences to Rita and the rest of family.
On behalf of the staff of Evangeline’s Bistro and Music House – our thoughts and prayers to Sgt Jim’s family. He always stopped in on his bike duty in the CWE and made us laugh. He touched the staff with his contagious smile and kindness, What a delightful man, he often spoke about traveling and time with his family and putting the hockey skates on! We will miss him dearly.
He was one of the best men I had the pleasure to know and work with. A solid boss who showed empathy, kindness, and compassion. He deserved every bit of respect he got and will be sorely missed. I was proud to walk with him during our tour of duty and will gladly follow him when it’s my turn to meet him again. Jim, you will be missed but not forgotten.
I knew Jim for 20 years as a policeman, and a hockey player. Best policeman I ever met while working for the dept. An even better friend and somebody who will be horribly missed at the rink. Ill think of you every time Jimmy when I slip on my knee brace prior to hittin’ the ice from the dislocated knee I sustained from one of your infamous hip checks; I wouldn’t change it for the life of me! Absolutely torn to hear about your passing, however glad I got to talk to you up until the day you skated off into the sunset. Unlimited margaritas for you now my good friend, you deserve it! You laughter and antics will be missed every day. I’m glad I got to call you my friend.
May God grant Sgt. Sanders eternal rest and peace, and may God give his loving consolation to the Sanders family.
I had the opportunity to supervise Jim when he was assigned to the 5th District of the SLMPD. It was a pleasure knowing him and he’ll be missed by all. RIP Jimmy and my condolences to his family.
I am distraught to here this sad news. My heart breaks for Charlene, who has been my special friend for as long as I can remember.
I am sorry I cannot be there with you but know I am with you in spirit. My condolences to Rita and their children. He was way too young, but he lived a full and beneficial life.
Love you Char and I’ll talk to you soon. Look at the picture I painted for you and know you are in my heart.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Please know that my heart breaks for the whole Sanders family.
Char you have been my friend as long as I can remember. I am here for you when you need to talk. Look at the roses I painted for you and know I am with you.
THANK GOD for allowing him to be at Jim Jr wedding.
Will never forget when my eyes first saw his eyes at the church.
I immediately saluted him and put my hand to my heart and he did the same!🥲
Sgt Jim is now in my prayers!🙏
My sympathy to Rita and the entire family!!
Larry Curcuru
The Villages, Florida
Please accept my deepest sympathy in your profound loss of Jim. My heart goes out to you, Rita, and your family as you travel this journey, and I keep you in prayer. Jim was a wonderful neighbor and Sunnybrook is less sunny with him gone.
Rita and family , so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.. I heard about it too late to attend but you are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you all.
Rita and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and neighbor. We loved living across from you . He will be missed.
My prayers are with you,
Rita I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing and know the loss you and your family are going through at this time. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family now and always.
To Rita and family, I send my sincere sympathy upon just learning today of the death of your dear husband, Jim. I’m sorry that many of us, friends of you, your mother, and of Randy, were unaware, but now that we know, I and others will hold you close in thought and prayers
Glad we got a chance to chat. I am glad you were in a good place and ready for what comes next. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Jim.