Joe James

SIKESTON - Joe James, 78, died May 3, 2002, at his home.

Born July 2, 1923, in Bethel Springs, Tenn., son of the late C.J. and Lillie Russom James, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, founded the Miner Police Department, was a school bus driver for 13 years and was a self-employed farmer.

On June 18, 1970, in Vanduser, he married Jewel Adams who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two daughters, Sharon Carpenter of Dudley and Karen Kastner of Dexter; one stepson, Mitch Thompson of Sikeston; two stepdaughters, Janie Berry and Sherrie Dixon of Sikeston; six brothers, O.J. James, Otis James, Cletus James, Jackie James, Bill James, and A.C. James of Sikeston; three sisters, Novell Milani and Maydell Thompson of Sikeston and Bonnie Bracey of Portageville; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Joe James Jr., and two sisters.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday with the Rev. John Tarter, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery.