Tom L. James, 75 of Wheatland, Missouri, formerly of KCMO, died May 22, 2007. Services were on May 26, 2007 at the Assembly of God Church in Jasper, Arkansas with burial at Jasper Cemetery. There was a time of visitation at Hathaway Peterman Funeral Home in Wheatland, Missouri. (published in Kansas City Star)
Tom Lee James passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at Parkview Nursing Home in Bolivar, Missouri. He was surrounded by his family and friends who loved and will miss him.
Tom was born on October 26th, 1931 in Jasper, Arkansas to Dewey and Velma James. Tom was one of twelve children. He was preceded in death by both parents, his sister Vala and a brother Harold. Tom served three years in the Navy from 1951 to 1954 on The Kenneth Whiting Ship during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Armco Steel in 1982 after 28 years of employment.
Tom loved sports and as a young man and father he played basketball. Later in his life, he started playing golf and enjoyed playing golf just last November.
Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lois Villines, daughter Glenda, son-in-law Marshal, daughter Rhonda and his two grandchildren, Stephanie and Ross. He also leaves his brothers, Levern, George, Lex, Lytle, and Gerald and sisters, Hazel, Jean, Goldie, and Sue who babied him all his life. He leaves many nieces and nephews who were like sons to him.
Tom never met a stranger. He always had a story to tell and always wanted to laugh. He enjoyed bowling, card playing, fishing, and watching his grandkids play any sport. He especially enjoyed playing golf and following the local basketball teams with his buddies.
He never lost his LOVE FOR THE Game…any game.
He was gracious, kind, and thoughtful of others. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He had a huge heart and a gentle soul.
His family said he was always glad to see you…and his son-in-law says he was more than a father-in-law to him…Tom was one of his best friends.
You didn’t have to be around Tom very long to know that his 2 grandchildren were his pride and joy. Stephanie was his “Pumpkin” and Ross was his “Buddy.” He never missed a game, a dance recital, a birthday, or a chance to spend time with them.
Tom had a big family and a lot of friends. The family thanks everyone for their love and support during these last months. They especially thank Ronnie & Darlene Bond. When they found out Tom was sick, they said, “We’re on the way.” They were and they never left Tom and Lois’ side during Tom’s illness. Tom often said, “Not many people have friends like this.”
Tom had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and the family believes he is walking with the Lord today. They also believe if there is a golf course in Heaven that Tom has already found it.