Brian William James, age 68, of Vienna, was born September 29, 1955, at University City, Missouri, a son of James Albert "Jim" and Mary Elaine (Blair) James, and passed from this life on Friday, April 26, 2024, in the University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, surrounded by his loving family.

He was united in marriage April 26, 1975, in the Visitation Catholic Church, Vienna, to Becky Sue Hayes, and to this union three children were born.

Brian was a 1974 graduate of Vienna High School and over the years was involved in many organizations in his hometown which included: Visitation Catholic Church, Vienna City Council where while serving on the board he helped bring cable television and internet to Vienna, Vienna Lions Club, Knights of Columbus #13178, Vienna-Bassett Fraternal Order of Eagles Aries #4340, Maries R-1 School Board where he served as president, Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, and Vienna Gun Club.

During his working life, Brian worked for Snelson's Packing House, Rolla, district manager for Interstate Bakeries, Rolla, supervisor for Flowers Foods, Rolla, district manager for Sara Lee, Rolla, and was the night supervisor at Quaker Windows, Freeburg, until his health no longer permitted.

Brian loved to give back and help others, which is evident with his volunteering in multiple organizations. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting for deer, turkey, elk, and pheasant to name a few things; fishing and running trout lines, and golfing. Brian was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and any team his grandchildren played on. He enjoyed spending time with his family and hosting dinners, and he was known for making the best pork steaks; and he loved to wind down after work with his fellow Quaker coworkers while enjoying a cold beer.

Those left to mourn the passing of Brian include: his loving wife of 49 years, Becky of the home near Vienna; two sons, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony "Tony" James and wife, Roxanne of California, Missouri, and Adam James of Vienna; one daughter, Angela Stricklan and Cale Pasley of Vienna; six grandchildren, Maddie Bax and husband Jacob, Gavin Stricklan, Cash Stricklan, Logan James, Landon James, and Cash Pasley; one great-granddaughter, Cody James Bax; four brothers, Paul James and wife, Pam of Vienna, Mark James and wife, Mendy of Belle, Joe James and wife, Sherry of Vienna, and Jay James and wife, Diane of Vienna; one sister, Connie Sandbothe and husband, Art of Vienna; five brothers-in-law and six sisters-in-law, Rocky and Ann Hayes, Mike and Donna Hayes, Susan and Mark Brunnert, Robin and Michael Kleffner, Ryan and Lori Hayes, and Debbie Miller; two aunts; Joanne Blair, and Sister Christine Blair; one uncle, Charley and Jan Blair; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Brian was preceded in death by: his father, Jim on February 27, 2018; his mother, Elaine on February 21, 2018; infant grandson, Baby James Stricklan; son-in-law, Cody Stricklan on March 10, 2022; infant sister-in-law, Cathy Hayes; brother-in-law, Darrell Hayes on March 3, 1983; paternal grandparents, Martin James on April 4, 1981, and Lucy Evaline (McDaniel) James on March 27, 1977; maternal grandparents, Francis "Frank" Blair, and Hester Armenia (Walling) Blair; and his mother and father-in-law, Wesley Hayes on October 28, 2021, and Velma Hayes on March 6, 2023.

Visitation for Mr. Brian James will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Visitation Catholic Church, 105 North Main Street, Vienna, MO 65582, with his Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Basil Tigga and Deacon Michael Brooks as concelebrants, under the direction of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Vienna.

Immediately following the service in church, all in attendance are invited to the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1102 Highway 63, Vienna, MO 65582, for a meal. After the meal the family invites anyone in attendance to the interment that will be held at Fulkerson Cemetery.

Pallbearers for Brian will be Bill Berhorst, Jerry Kinard, Carl Persicke, Keith Huffman, Bill Rhodes, and Richard Helton. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Goser, Tony James, Adam James, Paul James, Mark James, Joe James, Jay James, Connie Sandbothe, Rocky Hayes, Mike Hayes, Ryan Hayes, Gavin Stricklan, Cash Stricklan, Logan James, Landon James, Maddie Bax, Jacob Bax, Cody James Bax, Cale Pasley, and Cash Pasley.

Memorials in memory of Brian James, are suggested by the family to the Cody Stricklan Memorial Scholarship Fund and to the Fulkerson Cemetery with envelopes available at the church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Brian James at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com