Richard James Jr., 98, Vienna, passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at The Township Senior Living in Battlefield.
He was born on Oct. 15, 1923, to Richard James Sr. and Clarice Mabel (Snodgrass) James in Vienna.
He was united in marriage to Shirley Jean Daugherty, Aug. 17, 1946, in Springfield.
Richard served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy during World War II from Jan. 25, 1943–Jan. 25, 1946 (GroPac II, Tent 20). He was recalled to serve in the Korean Conflict from May 28, 1951–Sept. 15, 1952 (Philippines).
He and wife Shirley opened the Dairy Park at the junction of Highways 63 and 28 south of Vienna, which they operated for nineteen years prior to retirement. He also raised cattle during that time and continued doing so for many years after they sold the Dairy Park.
Richard was a member of the Vienna United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Coffey Brothers Memorial American Legion Post 12 in Vienna. And was honored in early 2022 for being the oldest person alive in Maries County.
He was preceded in death by wife Shirley; parents Richard and Clarice; and brother Norman.
He is survived by daughters Linda Schaffer (Dale) of Tulsa, Okla., Sheryl Schiller (Rick) of Branson, Peggy Schler (Mike) of Columbia, and Diana James of Vienna; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; sisters Louise Albertson of San Antonio, Texas, and Laverne Shelley of Columbia; and sister-in-law Mary Ann Daugherty of Mt. Vernon.
Visitation will be held Friday, Oct. 14, from 5–7 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10–11 a.m., at the Vienna United Methodist Church, Vienna, with funeral services immediately with Rev. Larry Sorrells officiating.
Interment will be in the James Community Cemetery, south of Vienna.
Memorials suggested to the Maries R-1 Scholarship Fund–James Family, Snodgrass Cemetery, or James Cemetery at the Vienna United Methodist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.
