James Dale Jr.

(From Parker Mortuary)

James Henry Dale, Jr., age 84 of Joplin, passed away at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2014 at National Healthcare Center in Joplin after a short illness.

Born August 23, 1929 in Baxter Springs, KS, he was the son of the late J. Henry Dale, Sr. and Elverene Chitwood Dale and moved with his family to Joplin in 1931. Jim attended Joplin Schools, graduated from Joplin Junior College and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri. He joined his father in the Dale Insurance Agency in Joplin and continued as owner and operator after his father’s death in 1967. He served in the Missouri National Guard for 26 years, retiring with the rank of Major.

A member of First United Methodist Church, he was a choir member and served on the Church Council in various capacities. His civic involvements include serving as past president of Joplin Kiwanis Club, Joplin Jaycees, Joplin Exchange Club, and Insurance Agents of Joplin. He also served on boards and committees of the Alumni Association of MSSU, YMCA for 15 years, American Red Cross for 28 years, City of Joplin Traffic Committee, City Board of Adjustment, and the Mayor’s Crime Prevention Committee. He was a Division Leader for the Build Freeman Hospital Campaign and served on the Committee to Build St. John’s Hospital. He was a founding member of the 10:30 Coffee Group which he enjoyed every weekday for over 51 years.

He married Carolyn Chubb in 1954 in Baxter Springs. She survives.

Additional survivors include two daughters, Ann Dale Stidham and husband Greg of Checotah, OK, and Martha Dale and her partner Stacia Green of Seattle, WA.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a young daughter, Susan Elizabeth Dale and his brother, N.M. (Jack) Dale.

Memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Roger Nichols and Rev. Bruce Jacobs officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Private interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or the American Red Cross, in care of Parker Mortuary.