Shirley Jean James, of Vienna, was born on August 23, 1927, at Joplin, a daughter of Herbert Raney and Ruth Elizabeth (Needham) Daugherty, and departed this life at 6:35 a.m., on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, in Phelps Health, Rolla.  She had attained the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 23 days.

Mrs. James was united in marriage on August 17, 1946, at Springfield, to Richard James, Jr., and to this union, four daughters were born.  She loved her husband of seventy-two years, Richard, with a passion along with her daughters and their families.

Mrs. James was known for working hard, praying hard, and enjoying the little things.  She led by example and with a servant's heart and was known for her strong opinions, which she usually saved (most of the time) for when it was really important.  Shirley will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

During her working life, Shirley and her business partner, Louise Chambers, operated the Vienna Tax Service doing accounting and tax preparation.  Also, it was Shirley's idea to start and open the Dairy Park at the junction of Highways 63 and 28 south of Vienna so the kids in the community would have someplace to go.  Many people in the area probably remember Shirley making them an ice cream cone at the Dairy Park which she and her husband, Richard, operated for nineteen years, prior to their retirement.

Always active in the Vienna community, Mrs. James was a member of the Vienna United Methodist Church, the Holy Hatters Club of the Church, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Coffey Brothers Memorial American Legion Post 12, and Rainbow Chapter 263 O.E.S., both in Vienna.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. James include:  Her devoted husband, Richard, of the home near Vienna; her four daughters, Linda Schaffer (Dale) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sheryl Schiller (Rick) of Branson, Peggy Schler (Mike) of Jefferson City, and Diana James of Vienna; her five grandchildren, David Schaffer (Amy), Daniel Schaffer, Rachel Goeke (Ken), Derek Schler (Stephany), and Kendall Schler; her ten wonderful great-grandchildren ages 2 – 15, who could always make her smile:  David, Miriam, Kara, Samuel, Kendra, James, Anna, Carter, Sallie, and Olivia; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert, on December 30, 1968; her mother, Ruth, on April 17, 1996; her two brothers, Herbert Daugherty and Jack Daugherty; and her one sister, Margaret Garrison.

Visitation for Mrs. Shirley James will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, June 27, 2019, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 28, 2019, in the Vienna United Methodist Church, 1102 Highway 63 North, Vienna, Missouri  65582.

Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley James will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 28, 2019, in the Vienna United Methodist Church, 1102 Highway 63 North, Vienna, Missouri  65582, with the Rev. Karen Alden officiating.

Interment will be in the James Community Cemetery, near Vienna, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna.  Pallbearers for Mrs. James will be David Schaffer, Derek Schler, Ken Goeke, David Schaffer, Jr., Troy Vandever, and Clint Daugherty, with Dale Schaffer, Rick Schiller, Mike Schler, Daniel Schaffer, and Dean Shelley serving as honorary pallbearers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Shirley James are suggested by her family to the Maries R-1 Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 218, Vienna, Missouri  65582 with envelopes also at the Vienna United Methodist Church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, Missouri  65582.  Shirley had shared with her family that she wanted something to benefit the children in our community.

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