James Eden

Dr. James Eden, Ed.D. Dr. James Eden, age 80, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at his residence. James was born the son of Waldo Emerson and Ruth Jeannette (Robbins) Eden on September 1, 1931 in Purdy, Missouri. He was a 1949 graduate of Purdy High School, Purdy, Missouri. On August 9, 1953 he was united in marriage to Martha Howard in Purdy, Missouri. He served in active duty in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1956 as a second lieutenant in the field artillery. He was in the ROTC program at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri where he received a doctorate of Education in 1965. He was superintendent of Chillicothe R-II Schools from 1969 until 1989. Prior to coming to Chillicothe in 1969, he served in other school districts in Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Columbia, and Weldon Springs. James started his career in education as an FFA Advisor. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Chillicothe, Missouri. He was also a member of the Chillicothe Rotary Club, Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, Chillicothe Municipal Utilities Board, the Grand River YMCA, MSTA, Retired Teachers Association, and the United Methodist Church Board of Chillicothe. He was a time keeper at the CHS Hornets games. He is survived by his wife, Martha Eden of the home; two daughters, Julie and husband Steve Hisle of Liberty, Missouri, and Dr. Melanie Elfrink, MD and husband Roy Elfrink, MD of Marshall, Missouri; two brothers, Dr. David Eden, MD and wife Rahel of Austin, Texas, and Jonathan Eden and wife Tammy of Bastrop, Texas; one sister, Mary Cowherd and husband Ernest of Cassville, Missouri; brother-in-law, Joe Hamilton and wife Barb of St. Louis, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Sara Hisle, Jennifer Todd, Jill Prather, Jacob Elfrink, Eden Elfrink, James Elfrink, Mary Elfrink, Katherine Elfrink, Teresa Elfrink; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Martha Hamilton. Services will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri. There will be a family visitation from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the United Methodist Church. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe on Monday, June 4, 2012 from 12 noon until 9:00 p.m. Inurnment will be held at Edgewood Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chillicothe FFA and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.