Donald Ray James

Donald Ray James Donald Ray James, age 81, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at his residence. Donald was born the son of Earl and Opal Mae (Head) James on March 14, 1936, in Chillicothe, Missouri. He was a 1954 graduate of Chillicothe High School. He then attended the University of Missouri Columbia, as well as the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. After attending college, he attended and graduated from barber school. He owned and operated his own barber shop from 1958 until 1973. Donald was united in marriage to Thelma Brown on July 17, 1960, in Laredo, Missouri. She survives of the home. Donald and Thelma owned and operated James Carpets and Designs in Chillicothe, Missouri, from 1973 until the present. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri. He was also a member of the NWTF, Ducks Unlimited, and the Chillicothe Elks Lodge #656. Donald was an outdoor enthusiast and thoroughly enjoyed hunting. He was an avid sports fan, particularly college sports of all kinds. He rarely missed a game or activity of his grandchildren. Donald was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His favorite pastime was spending time with family. Survivors include his wife, Thelma, of the home; two daughters, Kelly Christman and husband Barry of Kansas City, Missouri, and Michele Jeffries and husband Doug of Chillicothe, Missouri; six grandchildren, Lindsey Walker and husband Sean Ryan, Jackie Walker and husband Dustin Hudson, Steven Walker and wife Ashley, Amie Jeffries and husband James, Tara Haynes and husband Jacob; and Gabe Jeffries and wife Allison, ten great grandchildren; one brother, Larry James and wife Norma of Chillicothe, Missouri; one sister, Erla Jones and husband Ed of Chillicothe, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Drew Alan Walker; and one infant granddaughter, Bridgett Lynn Jeffries. Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Saturday, December 23, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. There is no scheduled visitation. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, December 22, 2017, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the House of Prayer Rescue Mission and/or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation and/or the American Cancer Association and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made to www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.