James Uitts

(From Parker Mortuary)

James Ivon Uitts, Jr., 50, of Joplin, passed away suddenly with his son, Wyatt, on Saturday, May 22, 2021, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

James was born June 26, 1970 in Omaha, Nebraska, to James Ivon Uitts, Sr. and Marsha (Leonard) Uitts. He earned his GED from Chardon Job Corps in Nebraska. James was currently working for Gilster-Mary Lee as a Lead in their Maintenance Department, a job he had worked for the last decade.

James enjoyed building various things and tinkering on anything electrical that he could get his hands on. He had also recently found a new interest in fishing. James was very intelligent and well-spoken. He loved nothing more than playing with his son, Wyatt.

James was preceded in death by Wyatt’s mother, Jessica.

Survivors include three sons, Nate Buckner of Jacksonville, Florida, Matthew Uitts (Shianne), and Anthony Uitts, all of Falls City, Nebraska; his step-son, Adrian Moody, of Neosho; his father, James Uitts, Sr., of Joplin; his mother, Marsha Waugh (Larry Jr.), of Colorado Springs, Colorado; four grandchildren, Emely Buckner, Nathanel Buckner, Purity Yoesel, and Damien Uitts; his siblings, Jennifer Harp (Dustin) of Neosho, Tiffney Knipe (Tom Meyers) of Glenwood, Iowa, Gina Hall (Carl), Larry Waugh, III (Janet), Amanda Ruegg (Kenny), and Benjamin Waugh (Amanda) all of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Melissa Waugh of Pueblo, Colorado; nieces and nephews, Dayton Harp, Dexton Harp, Brittany Smith, Zak Smith, Hailee Hall, Hannah Hall, Kristin Durham, Courtney Clark, Nicholas Andrews, Alex Ruyle, Gabriella Ruyle, Kennedy Ruegg, Cooper Waugh, and Madison Waugh; his uncle, Bert Uitts, of Reeds and his sons, Gabriel and Luke; as well as a host of aunts, extended family and friends.

Memorial graveside services for James will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin with Todd Decker officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.