Richard James Jr., of Vienna, was born on October 15, 1923, in Vienna, a son of Richard James Sr. and Clarice Mabel (Snodgrass) James, and departed this life at 12:04 p.m., on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at The Township Senior Living in Battlefield, MO.  He had attained the age of 98 years, 11 months, and 10 days.

Mr. James was united in marriage on August 17, 1946, in Springfield, to Shirley Jean Daugherty, and to this union of seventy-two years, four daughters were born.

Mr. James was known for working hard and he never met a stranger. When his grandchildren were young and later his great grandchildren, he especially enjoyed taking them to check the cattle and ride on the four-wheeler. He also loved playing cards and dominoes, going to family reunions, and visiting with people in general. Richard will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. James served as a Radioman in the Navy during World War II from January 25, 1943 -January 25, 1946 (GroPac II, Tent 20). He was the last surviving member of his tent, a group which had annual reunions for many years until they were no longer able to travel.  Mr. James was recalled to serve in the Korean Conflict from May 28, 1951 – September 15, 1952 (Philippines).

During his working life, Richard held various jobs and in 1960, along with his wife Shirley, opened the Dairy Park at the junction of Highways 63 and 28 south of Vienna. Many people in the area probably remember Richard making them an ice cream cone at the Dairy Park, which he and Shirley operated for nineteen years prior to their retirement. He also raised cattle during that time and continued doing so for many years after they sold the Dairy Park.

Mr. James was a member of the Vienna United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Coffey Brothers Memorial American Legion Post 12 in Vienna. He was honored in early 2022 for being the oldest living WWII veteran.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. James include: four daughters, Linda Schaffer (Dale) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sheryl Schiller (Rick) of Branson, Peggy Schler (Mike) of Columbia, and Diana James of Vienna; five grandchildren, David Schaffer (Amy), Daniel Schaffer, Rachel Goeke (Ken), Derek Schler (Stephany), and Kendall Schler; ten great-grandchildren, David, Miriam, Kara, Samuel, Kendra, James, Anna, Carter, Sallie, and Olivia; his sisters Louise Albertson (San Antonio, Texas) and Laverne Shelley (Columbia); sister-in-law Mary Ann Daugherty (Mt Vernon) and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; father, Richard; mother, Clarice; and brother Norman.

Visitation for Mr. Richard James Jr. will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, October 14, 2022, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at the Vienna United Methodist Church, 1102 Highway 63 North, Vienna, Missouri 65582.

Funeral services will be conducted immediately following the Saturday visitation at the same location, with the Rev. Larry Sorrells officiating.

Interment will be in the James Community Cemetery, south of Vienna, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home.  Pallbearers for Mr. James will be David Schaffer, Daniel Schaffer, Derek Schler, Ken Goeke, David Schaffer, Jr., and Samuel Schaffer, with Dale Schaffer, Rick Schiller, and Mike Schler, serving as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. James suggested by his family may be made to the Maries R-1 Scholarship Fund-James Family, Snodgrass Cemetery, or James Cemetery at the Vienna United Methodist Church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri 65582.

Online condolences may be shared with the family of Mr. Richard James Jr. at www.birminghammartinfuneralhomes.com