After a courageous battle with Alzheimers Disease, Orval Lee James, Jr., passed
away Wednesday, November 14th with his family close by. He is survived by his
wife of 63 years, Vanita Faye Carter James and their three children;
Judith (Joel) Clark of Springfield, Janet (Doug) Pursley of Springfield, and
Richard (Cathy) James of Memphis, TN. and their grandchildren, Joel, Jr.,
Matthew, Justin, Sarah, Erick, Taylor, Addie, Lauren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Clara (Randy) Sparks of Springfield.
Preceding him in dealth were his parents, Orval, Sr. and Elizabeth James; his
brothers Jerry, Sr., Jesse and Carl, Sr. James.
Orval was born in Beaumont, Texas April 3rd, 1930 and grew up in Pueblo,
Colorado, moving to Caruthersville, MO where he started his 44 year career in
shoe manufacturing. Orval and his wife retired and made Springfield their home
for the last 21 years. During his early retirement years, he traveled to
Honduras as a consultant for U.S. Shoe Corp. The rest of his retirement was
spent in home improvement projects and wood-working in his shop making gifts for
his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing with
his son and grandsons, and traveling, reading and gardening.
He was a member of Parkcrest Assembly of God Church. He loved the Lord his
entire life. He served in a mission with his parents as a young boy; played the
guitar and sang with his family as they ministered to churches from Colorado to
Missouri. He attended Southwestern Bible Institute in Waxahachie, TX in 1948. He
served in churches as a Gideon, Deacon, and Royal Ranger leader.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 16th, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Greenlawn
Funeral Home South, 441 West Battlefield, Springfield, MO. Funeral services will
be Saturday, Nov.17th at Life360, Parkcrest Assembly of God, 3581 S. Kansas Ave,
Springfield, MO at 11 am. Donations can be made in his memory to the Southwest
Missouri Chapter Alzheimers Association.