Donald Lee James

FARMINGTON Donald L. James of Farmington passed away January 15, 2018 at Southbrook Skilled Nursing and Rehab at the age of 91. He was born in Zalma, Missouri on December 21, 1926 to the late Lawrence Adolph and Iva Mae (Burklow) James. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Idora James in 2016; and a brother, Charles James.

"Don" was a graduate of Zalma High School. At an early age he went into the Merchant Marines where he proudly served his country from 1944 until 1946. On June 24, 1946 he married Mary Idora Gilliland in Jackson, Missouri. He began a career working for Hopkins Brothers Hardware in Lutesville and later Schramm Grocery Company. Don went on to help found the Mineral Area Grocery Company where he was employed until 1970 when he took a position as Director of Buildings and Grounds for Jefferson College. After nineteen years there he retired from the college and enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and camping. One of his favorite pastimes was entertaining friends and family.

Survivors include his children, Charles R. James, Steven B. (Susan) James, Deborah D. (Ken) Wade, Meredith K. (Scott) Vangilder, Cynthia L. James and Donald T. (Tina) James; ten grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Stanger, Mary West, Martha Becker, Patricia Van Matre, Shirley Brzowski and Beverly McWilson; brothers, Henry James, Harold James and William James and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from 5 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Thursday morning beginning at 7 a.m. until the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the Cozean Chapel with Pastor Alan David officiating. Interment will follow at Berrong Cemetery in Bollinger County near Zalma. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimers Association or to the Heart Association. View the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Resumes

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Berrrong Cemetery

Thursday, January 18, 2018 Zalma, MO Directions Visitation Resumes

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, January 18, 2018 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Thursday, January 18, 2018 10:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions