James William Ragsdale, Jr.

BONNE TERRE - James William Ragsdale, Jr. passed away into eternal rest on February 9, 2023 at St. Joe Manor at the age of 75. He was born in Bonne Terre on July 24, 1947 to the late James William Ragsdale, Sr. and Ione "Ike" (Forshee) Ragsdale. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife and best friend, Phyllis Ragsdale; and a daughter, Amanda Heiland. James graduated from High School in 1965 from Cherryville, Missouri and soon after graduation enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1969. For more than thirty years he worked at St. Joe Lead Company from where he retired in 1998. In retirement he relocated to Deepwater, Missouri on Lake Truman where he enjoyed fishing and living the lake life. He also enjoyed camping and boating with his family. He was good at fixing just about anything with his hands. Gardening was one his favorite pastimes and he was known for his wonderful produce that he enjoyed handing out to friends and family. James was a faithful member and worker in his church, the Finey Baptist Church in Deepwater. He will be fondly remembered as a gentle and kind hearted person who helped make a happy, healthy home for his family. Survivors include two daughters, Michelle Lehew and Miranda (Brian) Stevenson; grandchildren, Mason Lehew, Tyler Stevenson, Brock Heiland, Aiden Heiland, Sean Stevenson and Meagan Stevenson; Scott Harris, who was his daughter, Mandi's soul mate; his siblings, Carolyn (John) Ritter and Larry (Linda) Ragsdale. Also surviving are a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023 beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Tillman Cemetery near Advance, Missouri. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Visitation Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Monday, February 13, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Funeral Service Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory Monday, February 13, 2023 11:00 AM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Interment Service Tillman Cemetery Monday, February 13, 2023 1:30 PM Advance, MO