PRESIDENT

I have worked in the automotive field most of my life starting in Service stations at 14. Graduating from Franklin Technical School: Automotive Technology, I started work at Gateway eventually becoming manager. Later, I became General Manager for Lube Pros inc, overseeing 2 lube centers and car washes as well as helping develop several lube centers in the tristate area. In 1995, I started Gideon’s Tire & Auto which I still operate today.

Active in Church, I serve as an usher as well as leading discipleship classes. My work within the church presented an opportunity to work with those in need. This developed into a vision for Higher Power Garage.

Vice President

James has lived in Joplin since 1977 when his parents relocated from California after his father’s long career in the US Air Force. Before living in California, James lived in Bangkok, Florida and Arizona. Now, as a local business owner and long term resident of Joplin, James has been involved in many areas of the community including board positions at numerous non-profits as well as commissions for the City of Joplin. His commitment to enhancing the lives of others through sharing insights and leadership is something that come natural to him.

James was excited to be part of Higher Power Garage through his long term friendship with Mike Gideon and the vision Mike had for this ministry. There is no higher purpose than to show the love of Jesus to those in need through these efforts.

TREASURER

Chris Gideon is an entrepreneur of 12 years, owning both Mowed Over and CGC Investments. He started his landscaping and lawn care business, Mowed Over, in 2008 while opening his second business, CGC Investments several years later in 2015. He is a current resident of Joplin Missouri, where he was born and raised. Chris and his wife Cheri have been happily married with five children since, October of 2014. When not tending to his businesses, this is where Chris primarily spends his time, with his family. Chris has many aspects that will benefit Higher Power Garage, specifically his business experience, professional knowledge, and leadership skills and tactics.

Casie worked for Social Services helping reunify parents and children in Newton County.  

For several years, she worked at Watered Gardens, serving those experiencing homelessness and addiction.  She was also the Neighbor Connect Coordinator, which helped people in the community with a variety of services, through connecting the local church with opportunities to volunteer.

Casie is excited to be a part of the Higher Power Garage family and witness how God is using the organization to share the love of Jesus and help families in our community with transportation. She attends Hope City Church.

Fire Training Chief Mark P. Cannon has been a chief officer for the past nine years with the Joplin Fire Department and a member of the Missouri Fire Service for 32 years. Prior to his appointment to the Joplin Fire Department, Training Chief Cannon enjoyed a 20-year career with the Kansas City Missouri Fire Department before retiring as a Captain in 2015. Training Chief Cannon began his career in 1991 when he joined the Missouri Air National Guard as a Fire Fighter. He is currently a member of the 138 th Fire and Emergency Services flight within the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Chief Cannon recently returned home from a seven month military deployment overseas in the middle east.

Training Chief Cannon is charged with fire department operations training and professional development. In 2016 Chief Cannon received the Career Department Training Officer of the Year award from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. He also oversees the special operations division of the department which provides technical rescue services for both the city and the region.

Training Chief Cannon moved to the Joplin region seven years ago with his wife of 29 years, Michelle. Together they have two children: Joshua 25 and Audrey 22. Joshua Cannon is married and currently serves in the United States Air Force in Tucson Arizona. Joshua married his wife Taylor in 2021 and they are expecting their second child in November. Chief Cannon’s daughter Audrey Cannon is married and currently employed as an Accounting Assistant here in Joplin. Training Chief Cannon holds a Bachelors Degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama.