Marion James "Junior" Brent

Marion James "Jim" (also known as Junior) Brent, 90, of Springfield, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield.

Mr. Brent, the son of the late William "Bill" James and Cora (Haugh) Brent, was born Oct. 13, 1925 in Qulin, Mo. He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1943 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. His recollections of his service during WWII were submitted to the Smithsonian as part of a 2004 oral history project. On Sept. 1, 1949, Mr. Brent was employed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol as a Radio Operator and retired on July 1, 1982 as the Patrol's Director of Radio. He loved spending time with his wife, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was their biggest supporter at their sporting events. Mr. Brent enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinal's baseball, coaching and playing baseball, quail hunting, music and song writing. He was a true historian and enjoyed documenting family events, big and small.

On Dec. 7, 1946, he married Patsy Martin in Poplar Bluff. She survives of the home in Springfield.

Other survivors include two grandchildren: Courtney Brent and Jeffrey Brent; two great-grandchildren: Olivia Brent and her mother, Esther Nelson and Paeson Brent and her mother, Caitlyn Brown all of Springfield; a brother, Bill (Vikki) Brent of Lakeland, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Brent was preceded in death by four sons: Michael, Bobby, Larry and Garry, a grandson, Billy, a brother, Sherman; and a sister, Mary Lou.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with a Celebration of Life following at 3 p.m. Inurnment with full military honors will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Springfield, Mo.

A few years ago Jim presided at a friend's memorial service. The friend was also named Jim and they both loved gospel music. He ended the service with a poem he wrote for his friend. The family would like to share the poem as it now applies to their Jim.

Jim is in Heaven now,
listening to the angels sing
his favorite gospel songs
with the messages that they bring.
He has found Peace in the Valley
and has A Closer Walk With Thee.
Knows What A Friend We Have In Jesus
and How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.
Gone but not forgotten, we love you grandpa!