Eual “Bud” James, Jr.
Funeral services for Eual “Bud” James, Jr., 84, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2013, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. James died at 10:10 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2013, at his home.
He was born March 17, 1929, at Ravenden Springs, Arkansas, to Eual James Sr. and Cora Bell James.
On May 17, 1952, he was married to Martha Bryan Carter. He was married to Joyce Reid James on September 14, 1979. On February 27, 1995, he was married at Harrison, Arkansas, to Kay Polk Thompson.
He graduated from Couch High School with the Class of 1948 and attended college at Arkansas State University at Jonesboro, Arkansas, obtaining a teacher certificate. He taught at Lanton, Missouri from 1949 to 1950, until he was drafted. Mr. James served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict for 14 months, as a medic in the battle zone from 1951 to 1952. He also served in Pusan Chu’chon, and up to the 38th Parallel and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Bud then finished school with the G.I. bill and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Arkansas State University and completed 160 hours of graduate work from Drury College in Springfield, Missouri and Central Missouri State University at Warrensburg, Missouri. Mr. James taught at the Irish Wilderness, Pierce City and in West Plains from 1955 to 1966.
Bud became a well-known businessman in the West Plains area and was a dedicated community leader. He volunteered a great deal of time and served on many local boards and organizations. He established James Motor Sales in 1964 and retired in 1993 after 29 years with many loyal customers and friends. He also served on committees and boards within the Industrial Development Commission, West Plains R-7 School Board, where he served as President of the Board for several years and was instrumental in bringing Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University) to West Plains. He also served on the Howell County Tourism committee, University of Missouri Extension, Ozarks Medical Center Board of Directors and Howell County Industrial Development Board. During his retirement years, he spent many enjoyable hours with his friends on the West Plains Country Club golf course. He enjoyed playing the mandolin and guitar and spent many hours playing gospel, country and bluegrass music with his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Mary Lou James and their friends.
Mr. James was a Christian, having attended the First United Methodist Church in West Plains for ten years where he enjoyed being an active member of the Seekers Sunday School Class.
He is survived by his wife, Kay James, of the family home; three children, Sherry Cook, husband Dennis, Terri Johnson, husband Martin and Brock Eual James, wife, Bethany, all of Springfield, Missouri; one step-son, Dallas Thompson, wife, Denise, Nixa, Missouri; four grandchildren; Michael and Lauren Cook, Carrick James and Suzannah Thompson; one brother, Eugene James, wife, Mary Lou, West Plains, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Donna Depee, husband, Kent, Mountain View, Missouri; one niece, Alice Massey; and one nephew, Danny James, wife, Florence.
Bud is following closely behind his good friend, Leapy Rickard.
His parents and one sister-in-law, Ella James, precede him in death.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Three Rivers Hospice or The Eual “Bud” James Scholarship Fund for Missouri State University, West Plains, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Denise Thompson
October 19, 2013 @ 3:41 pm
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you very much. Dallas, Denise & Suzannah Thompson Nixa, MO
Mike and Diana Pace
October 19, 2013 @ 8:46 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the James family during this sad time. Our deepest sympathy.
Linda Coursey
October 19, 2013 @ 10:07 pm
Kay, I’m thinking of you and sorry for your loss. Many year ago, I rode with Bud to
summer classes at Drury. That was a really big deal and I remember the trips
being quick and fun. On some of the trips I think we flew close to the ground , but
always got home in one piece.
Cherish your memories.
Teresa Schwab
October 20, 2013 @ 10:09 am
To Sherry, Dennis, Lauren, Michael, Terri, Martin, Carrick, and Martha: You are all in my prayers today, knowing that you will have fond memories of Bud, so sorry for your loss.
Nancy & Randy Fukasawa
October 21, 2013 @ 7:50 am
Bud was the best neighbor that we could have ever had. Always the gentlemen, caring , generous and always willing to help with anything. We enjoyed many conversations with Bud when he was out and about. We were always so happy to be in his company. He was so fortunate to have his loving wife Kay take such good care of him so that he could be comfortable at home. We will miss you Bud. You will always be remembered!
Brock
November 2, 2013 @ 10:23 pm
Thank you. Dad and Kay always spoke highly of you as well. Thank you for being such kind neighbors and friends to them.
Brock
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
October 21, 2013 @ 12:26 pm
We are so very sorry for your loss; you are in our thoughts and prayers! God bless and be with you all.
Linda & Ron Hayes
October 21, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
Kay, we are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your loved ones during this sorrowful time. We are thinking of you and pray your happy memories will always remain close.
Linda & Ron Hayes
Barbara Watters
October 21, 2013 @ 10:51 pm
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers as you travel down this path. May your fond memories of your precious Bud bring you great comfort during the coming days. May God richly bless you and your family!
Barb and Dennis Watters
Nancy and George Tallas
October 22, 2013 @ 4:08 am
Kay, we are so very sorry for your great loss. You are in our prayers everyday and though we can’t be at the funeral, we are there in spirit and thought. God is with you and Bud is with God. Knowing this will help greatly. Our special love to you, dear cousin.
Sharon Neathery
October 22, 2013 @ 8:30 am
Kay and family, my deepest and sincere sympathy to you in the loss of Bud. He was a good man, and I really enjoyed times that we got to visit. He had a smile that was memorable. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts…Sharon
Cathy (Hammond) Bohanan
October 22, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
I wish to extend my condolences to the entire James family.
I want to express my thanks for my Uncle Bud, who was a veteran of the United States Army. I appreciate him for his courage and service to our country, while he served in the battle zone of Korea.
I have happy memories of Uncle Bud. He was very enjoyable and fun to chat with.
May each of you have many happy memories of Bud and cherish those memories in your hearts.
May God bless, comfort and give each of you strength during this time of loss.
With sincerest sympathy,
Cathy (Hammond) Bohanan
Richmond, Missouri
ILa Mae Hammond and Michael N. Hammond
October 22, 2013 @ 1:23 pm
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the entire James family.
Bud will be missed by many friends and family members who were fortunate enough to know him.
May God comfort each of you during this difficult time.
With special thoughts and deepest sympathy,
ILa Mae Hammond and Michael N. Hammond
Richmond, Missouri
Barbara Cook
October 22, 2013 @ 3:47 pm
Kay, Thinking of you and family. Sorry to hear of Buds passing. May God comfort you all during this hard time. You are all in my prayers.
Jan Wichern
October 23, 2013 @ 4:00 pm
Kay, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bud & Marie Nale
October 23, 2013 @ 9:06 pm
Bud was a great man and will be missed. Our prayers and sincere sympathy are with the family.
Vicki Cooper
October 24, 2013 @ 7:52 am
Brock and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know what a difficult time this is for you. But, may you have peace and comfort at this time knowing how much he cared for you. He served his country well. I remember him telling of coming home from war and getting off the plane and kneeling down to kiss the ground. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janet Price
October 24, 2013 @ 5:49 pm
Dallas, Denise and family,
I am sorry for your loss. When I read about someone like this, I take pause to reflect on just how many hearts and souls he touched. I also give thanks for his life, him choosing to protect the Country I get to enjoy, and also for his passion and service to my surrounding communities, making them a better place. These days, you just don’t hear about many that CHOOSE to live their life in such a manner. My prayer is that your family finds peace in this otherwise difficult time and that you take comfort in knowing he is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
Toni (Clinkingbeard) Van Dyne
October 25, 2013 @ 6:17 pm
Terri, Sherry and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings to you,
Toni
Joy Bartlett
November 2, 2013 @ 6:23 pm
Hello old friend,
So sad to hear of your loss, you take care of yourself.
Love, Joy
keith barton
November 10, 2013 @ 3:55 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. This is keith and linda and I just heard about buds passing. He was a good friend and I am a better person for knowing him. He always made me laugh and was always a joy to be around. I am sure he is sitting at the left hand of jesus probably putting a smile on his face. Our thoughts go out to you kay and his family.