James Earl Kaneaster was born on the ‘home place’ in Branson, Missouri on January 6, 1943.  His parents were Pastor Fletcher and Gertrude Kelly Kaneaster.  He was the 6^th of 7 children.  He married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Huskey and they were blessed with two sons, Larry James and Shannon Kyle.

He started his career in the grocery business at 15 while he was still in high school.  After high school he went on to the University of Missouri in Columbia receiving his degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing Management.  After college he accepted a position in Salem, Missouri as CEO of Town & Country Grocery, (some are now Country Mart.)  The group began with 4 stores, and when he retired there were 44 stores.

Jim was involved in many civic organizations including the Optimist Club in Salem, as a trustee of the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History in Salem, and the Retailer Advisory Committee of Associated Wholesale Grocers in Springfield.  After a renowned career in the grocery business where he developed a reputation for his integrity and leadership, he retired and moved to Branson.  He continued to serve his community, joining the Board of the Cox Medical Center Branson formerly Skaggs Regional Medical Center.  He served as chairman during the first two years of a major healthcare integration and construction.  His guidance and wisdom helped make this transition a smooth one.

Jim was very devoted to our Lord and Savior and served him faithfully.  At First Baptist Church in Salem, Missouri, he was Chairman of The Steering Committee for Renovation, Sunday School Superintendent and taught Men’s Bible Class.  At First Baptist here in Branson, he served on the Stewardship Committee and taught the Lighthouse Class for 20 years.

Jim enjoyed the simple pleasures of nature, especially bird watching.  He and Marilyn went to Montauk and Busiek State Park to see the beautiful birds and wildlife and planted many shrubs to entice birds to visit.  He loved collecting—from bird paintings by David Plank to hummels and Lowell Davis farm figurines.  Above all, he cherished his family.  He adored his wife, was a devoted father to his two sons, and especially enjoyed being Papa to Evan and Lyla.

Preceding him in death was his precious son, Larry James, his parents, two sisters, Virginia Collins and Mary Smith, and one brother, Alvin Kaneaster.  He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, his son and daughter-in-law, Doctors Kyle and Shannon Kaneaster and his adored grandchildren, Evan and Lyla Kaneaster.  He is also survived by three of his siblings,  Bertye Boatright, Troy and Lonnie Kaneaster. 

Jim will be remembered for his integrity.  He was a dedicated, humble servant and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  His legacy of service will be an inspiration to those fortunate to have known him.  Papa will be forever missed.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Branson with burial to follow in the Blue Eye Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM prior to the service at 2:00 PM.

Memorials are suggested to Gideon Bibles or to First Baptist Church of Branson in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson.