James Willard Maggard, age 96, passed away at his home in Willard, Missouri, on December 28, 2024. James was born to Reverend Caleb and Nancy (Huff) Maggard on May 19, 1928, in the vicinity of Ava, Missouri, located in Douglas County. Along with his many brothers and sisters, James was raised by his parents in the Ava area where he attended school and earned a GED. James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Etta Dodd, on August 27, 1949, in Arkansas. The couple shared 72 years of marriage before Mary’s untimely passing on March 31, 2020. James proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. During his time in the military, James earned the rank of staff sergeant. On December 9, 1953, James was honorably discharged from the United States Army while stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. James and Mary were blessed with two loving children, Valvalia and Kim.

James was employed as an equipment maintenance worker with Colonial Bakery for twenty years. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed his many years at the bakery. Over the course of his career, James held other jobs including those at McBee Binding Company and Lakeland Behavioral Health Systems. James was also a proud member of the Gate of the Temple Masonic Lodge #422 located in Springfield, Missouri. When not working, James had many interests and pastimes including a love of gardening and sharing his vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors. He also enjoyed spending time on his farm, putting up hay, and checking on his many cows and calves. Nothing, however, brought him more joy and fulfillment than spending time with his grandkids. James leaves a legacy of leaving the world a better place and being a positive influence on the lives of those he touched.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mary Etta Dodd Maggard; son, Kim Allan Maggard, and numerous siblings. He is survived by one sister, Francis Montgomery; daughter, Valvalia Thater and her husband, Gary; daughter-in-law, Donna Maggard; three grandchildren, Ryan Thater of Clever, Missouri, Kayla Robison of Fairfax, Virginia, and Amanda Maggard and her fiancé, Nate Mussan of San Fransico, California; and two great-granddaughters, Harper and Casey Robison of Fairfax, Virginia. James is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graveside service for James will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. James will be laid to rest next to his wife, Mary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners of St. Louis, Missouri, in the memory of James Maggard.

Arrangements are under the compassionate direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.