Larry James

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Larry A. James was born October 10, 1947, in Neosho, Missouri, one of two children to Albert W. Jr. and Helen E. (White) James. He entered into rest on April 18, 2022, in Neosho at the age of seventy-four. 

Larry was a lifelong area resident and graduated from Neosho High School, class of 1965. He continued his education at Missouri State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Math and History, a bachelor's degree in education from University of Missouri at Columbia and a master's degree in Education and a specialist in Education from Pittsburg State University. 

He taught in the Neosho school district, teaching math in grades 5 through 8 at Goodman for sixteen years and then at Neosho High School, teaching algebra and math in grades 9-12, retiring from the Neosho School District after 31 years of teaching. 

Following his retirement from the public school system, Larry taught algebra at Crowder College for eleven years. 

Larry was known as a research historian and author of Neosho and Newton County, publishing over forty books with 38 of those in the Library of Congress. He was a collector of historical photographs, a founding member and president of the Newtonia Battlefield Protection Association. Larry had served on the Neosho Newton County Library Board, Newton County Historical Society, George Washington Carver Birthplace Association and Friends of the Neosho Fish Hatchery. He was an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest civilian honor of BSA and the Cross and Flame award, the highest honor through the United Methodist Church for scouting. He also completed the Wood badge leadership training. He was a lifelong member of the Neosho United Methodist Church and served on various committees and on the board of trustees. 

Larry and Linda (Petty) were married on August 31, 1969, at the Liberty Presbyterian Church in Diamond and she survives. In addition to his wife of 52 years, he is survived by one daughter, Julia Humphrey and husband, Joe of Neosho; twin sons, Richard James and wife, Chrystal of Nixa, Missouri and Ronald James and wife, Staci of Parker, Colorado; grandchildren, Kylee James, Kaleb James, Aaron Humphrey, Chloe Bash, Ethan Larry James and Mason James and one sister, Patricia Swope and husband, Kevin of Thomasville, Georgia. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 10 am at the Neosho United Methodist Church, Pastor Mitch Jarvis will officiate. 

Interment will follow in the Neosho IOOF Cemetery and serving as pallbearers will be Jason Crouch, Jeremy Sloan, Kent Patrick, Matthew Robertson, Eddie McAllister, and Tim Booyer. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Jessen, Russell Hively and Tom Higdon. 

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation Monday evening at the Clark Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm. Contributions in memory of Larry may be made to the Neosho United Methodist Church, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, Missouri 64850.