William Harry James, age 81, of Memphis, MO, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2014, in the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO.
He was born November 22, 1932, in rural Adair County, MO, the son of Milo John and Irma Viola Watson James.
He was united in marriage to Alberta Lee Gregory, June 4, 1952, in Adair County, MO and she preceded him in death on September 4, 2003. He was also preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Penny Sue James and two grandsons James Michael Woods and Travis Lee Woods.
Surviving are three daughters, Judith Ann Woods of Kirksville, MO, Linda Jean (Gray) Megrath and husband Ed of Milton, IA, and Cindy Lou Brush and husband Brian of Memphis, MO, four brothers and two sisters, Aven James and Dean James and wife Dorothy both of Alexis, IL, Lorraine Rigdon and husband Glenn of Galesburg, IL, Ronald James and wife Karen of Kirksville, MO, Vivian Gowan and husband Tim of Rockford, IL, and Carroll James of Colorado, nine grandchildren Jerry Woods, Barbara Reed, Mark Woods, Kelli Featherston, Amanda Gray, Batina Dodge, Jalisa Gray, Anthony Brush and Amber Varnold, seventeen great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Harry graduated from Greentop High School. He was engaged in farming from 1952 to 1985 in Adair and Scotland Counties. In the 1980's he and his wife became a long distance semi-truck driving team and hauled freight for various companies all over the United States and enjoyed working together. Harry was a member of the Knox City Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with his family.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2014, in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO. Reverend Paul Burton and Reverend Frank Mayes will officiate the services. Burial will be in the Memphis Cemetery. Music will be provided by Paul and Marsha Burton. Selections will be "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" and "Lord Build Me A Cabin".
Casket bearers will be Jerry Woods, Mark Woods, Anthony Brush, Justin Featherston, Corey Varnold and Matt Dodge.
Visitation will after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, MO.
Memorials may be made to the Family of the American Heart Association. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1, Edina, MO 63537.
www.hudsonrimerfh.com