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 veteran of the U.S. Army having served during World War II. He founded the Miner Police Department, was a school bus driver for 13 years and a self-employed farmer before retiring. He was of the Baptist belief.

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; seven brothers, Otis James, O.J. James, J.C. James, A.C. James, Cletus James, Jackie James and Bill James of Sikeston; three sisters, Novell Milani and Maydell Thompson of Sikeston and Bonnie Bracey of Portageville; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son, Joe James Jr. and two sisters.

Services were conducted Monday at Ponder Funeral Home with the Rev. John Tarter, pastor of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, officiating.

Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers were: Ronnie James, Larry James, A.C. James Jr., Justin James, Will Dixon and Charles Lizenbee.

Honorary pallbearers were: Jerrod Hull and Matt Berry.