James E. Dean

August 2, 1967 - July 24, 2015

Dean, James Edward, 47, of Wildwood, Missouri, born August 2, 1967 passed away July 24, 2015 of natural causes. Jim was fortunate enough to be enjoying time with his family and relatives while on vacation at Lake of the Ozarks. From a very young age Jim loved to be outdoors and learned to love hunting with his grandpa Harold Rector. Hunting and fishing became a passion that he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends. He shared this passion with his daughters from a young age and was proud to show their first accomplishments in the art of hunting and fishing. He was always up for a challenge and would never back down which was a blessing if he was on your side and your worst nightmare if he wasn't. Jim was a graduate of Hazelwood West High School and the University of Missouri Columbia earning a BSBA in Finance and Banking in 1990. After a couple of years working in the mortgage industry, Jim decided he could do it better. He along with his business partner Angie Stevenson established Cornerstone Mortgage. From their humble beginnings of faxing applications from his 1 bed-room condo, they grew Cornerstone to be the fastest growing mortgage banker in St. Louis, earning numerous awards and accolades. He was intensely focused on bringing the best people together and built a world class organization intensely focused on the customer. Jim met his wife Kirstie in 2000 and over the next 15 years they built an incredible life and a beautiful family. Jim had two young daughters Madeline age 9 and Savannah age 5, along with his wife, Kirstie, they were the true loves of his life. He continually strove to be the best father he could be by teaching them to appreciate things, to know right from wrong and not take anything for granted. He loved them deeply and made sure he was there for all their events. He also volunteered as coach for their soccer and softball teams. He valued his family above all else. He became a loving and cherished brother and son to his wife's family and many friends felt this deep connection to him as well. He was our champion, friend, strength, and our rock. Ours hearts will be forever saddened for our immense loss. Jim is survived by his wife Kirstie Dean, daughters Madeline and Savannah, parents Cecil and Judy Dean of Perry, MO, brother Robert Dean (Tracey) of Southlake, TX, sisters Maria (Kirk) Zulch of Belton, MO and Christine Dean of Lake Dallas, TX as well as numerous nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts. He is preceded in death by his brother Richard Dean, his grandparents Harold and Ruth Rector and Leonard and Beatrice Schwab. Services: Funeral services Thurs. July 30, 9:15am at BUCHHOLZ MORTUARY WEST, 2211 Clarkson Road, (@ Wilson Road) Chesterfield, MO to Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Louis, 500 S. Mason Rd., Creve Coeur, MO for a 10am Mass. Online guestbook www.buchholzmortuary.com. VISITATION Wed. 4 - 8pm.