James D. Mcneelis, Jr.

James D. McNeelis, Jr., 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

James, the son of the late James D. Sr. and Jennie Alexander McNeelis, was born Nov 23, 1934 in Somerville, Tenn. He was a teacher in the Dexter Public School System for 30 years. James was a member of New Covenant Fellowship Church, where he also served in maintenance for 19 years. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed woodworking and fishing. James proudly served in the US Marine Corps from June 29, 1954 to June 28, 1957.

James is survived by his wife of 52 years, Darlene (Tripp) McNeelis. Also survived by his children Jimmie (Abby) McNeelis, Dale (Teri) McNeelis, Randy (Cathy) Brown, Dan (Debbie) Brown, Karen (Randy) Urich; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sisters, Rosa Mabery, Sarah Lewis, Mary Sather and Lois Bailey.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded by a sister Lily Craft and a daughter Jeanie McNeelis.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at New Covenant Church with the funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Jerry Moore will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the charity of your choice.