Jonesboro - Gary Ronald James, 90, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.

Gary was born August 7, 1933 in Kennett MO, to the late Jesse Ransom and Lona Mae Reagan James. He served his country proudly in the United States Navy. After graduating from New Mexico State University, Gary's first career was as a mechanical engineer on various projects with the McDonnell Douglas Corporation in St. Louis MO, Grand Rapids MI, and Tulsa OK. After moving to Jonesboro in 1995, he worked for the US Census for twenty years as his second career. Gary enjoyed his work, woodworking, cars of all kinds, and cooking. He considered his most important work serving as a shepherd at Churches of Christ in all the cities he lived.

Gary is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley Ann Burrow James; his children Katonna (Dina Lewis) Richardson of St. Louis MO and Kevin (Cyndi) James of Troy MO; a sister, Sandra (Bobby) Harrison of Gastonia NC; a sister-in-law, Beth James; grandchildren, Bobbi (Jonathan) Gilbert, Brian (Jennifer) Richardson, Kerry (Jerod) Gill, Courtney (Patrick) Case, and Kyle James; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law Keith and Donna James, a sister, Avis (Dennis) Burrow, and brother, Michael James.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 2:00 at the Valley View Church of Christ with Spencer Furby officiating.

Visitation will be Saturday from noon until time of service.

Interment will be at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Kennett, MO at 11:00 Monday, January 15 under the direction of Gregg- Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Children's Home, 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450 or Jesse Dylan James Foundation, 407 S Sherwood Dr, Suite 22, Searcy, AR 72143