James Lack

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

James E. Lack, age 88, of Webb City, MO passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2022 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. He was the son of Edward E. and Josephine K. (Peysen) Lack. 

Born on April 22, 1934 in Groom, Texas. He graduated from high school in Iola, Kansas. He married JoAnn Bennett in Carterville, MO on May 27, 1977. They lived in Webb City until 1993 when they moved to Grand Lake in Oklahoma. They returned to Webb City in 2013.

James entered the Unites States Marine Corp in Iola, Kansas in October, 1953 and retired after 20 years of service. He was an Aircraft Mechanic. He served 13 months at DaNang Air Base, Vietnam in 1966-67. After retirement he lived in Webb City and attended night school for two years taking auto and welding class. After school he went to work at Jay’s Truck Repair until retiring in 1988.

He was a life member of the American Legion #322, Webb City where he served as Vice Commander, Finance Officer, Sgt of Arms, Bingo and Entertainment Chairman. He was also a life member of VFW Post 8380 Grove, OK and Elk’s Lodge #861, Webb City. He was a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association, Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Amateur Trapshooting Association, USAA, and American Bowling Association.

James enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and shooting skeet & trap.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1968, mother in 2002, as well as his sister Emma Jo Lansaw (2005) and brother Joseph “Leroy” Lack (2008).

Survivors include his wife of almost 45 years - JoAnn, two stepdaughters, four grandchildren (locally granddaughter Ashley and husband Chris Smith and grandson Jonathan Elledge). He is also survived by two sisters, Theresia Frey of Carterville, MO and Marietta Lack of Springfield, MO as well as his sister-in-law, Hedy Lack, of Florida.

He was a Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart Church in Webb City.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Immediately following the visitation a graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery Open Air Pavilion in Webb City with Father Jose Marino officiating and full military honors. 

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.