(From Parker Mortuary)Jimmie (Jim) Dean Stratton, of Joplin, Missouri, went home to God suddenly Wednesday, July 19th, 2023.
Jim was born on March 11th, 1941, to the union of Earl and Mildred (Marble) Stratton. Growing up in the Joplin area, he was known as an accomplished athlete in both football and basketball, having played for Joplin High School until he graduated in 1959.
After high school, Jim attended University of Missouri - Rolla for a year, until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Jim served as an aviator in the navy until 1965. After his time in the navy, Jim resumed his college education at the University of Missouri in Columbia, receiving a bachelor's degree in Statistics in 1967. At Mizzou is where he met Susan Jean Koeller, with whom he was married 25 years and raised 3 children. Jim worked in the field of aerospace, most notably at McDonnell Douglas, Ling-Temco-Vought, and Lockheed. He moved back to Joplin in 1974 to be closer to his parents. From there, he finished his career with Motorola and Gulf States Paper.
Outside of work, Jim was always a caretaker of others. He loved cooking and feeding family and friends. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, especially golfing and vacationing in Mexico. When he couldn’t be outdoors, you could usually find Jim watching an old western, the Dallas Cowboys and Fox News. Jim was also a lifetime member of the Joplin Elks and the Veterans of Foreign War. Jim was a devoted son and spent many years caring for his mother after the early death of his father and when her health eventually failed, Jim devoted himself to her care so that she could stay in her family home.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved big brother, Kenneth Edward Stratton (aka “skinny brother”).
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Holland with whom he shared the past 15 years; his former wife Sue Stratton, his three children, Kelly Stratton-Ridgeway (Sam), Kenneth Stratton (Tracy Godfrey), Chris Stratton (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, Amanda Thogmartin, Cole Thogmartin (Kyla), Haley Thogmartin, Jakob Stratton (Sierra), Evelyn Cross, Abigail Cross, and Samantha Stratton; 3 great-grandchildren, Aeryn, Tristan, Jaci, and a grandson on the way.
Outside of work, Jim was always a caretaker of others. He loved cooking and feeding family and friends. Jim enjoyed the outdoors, especially golfing and vacationing in Mexico. When he couldn’t be outdoors, you could usually find Jim watching an old western, the Dallas Cowboys and Fox News. Jim was also a lifetime member of the Joplin Elks and the Veterans of Foreign War. Jim was a devoted son and spent many years caring for his mother after the early death of his father and when her health eventually failed, Jim devoted himself to her care so that she could stay in her family home.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved big brother, Kenneth Edward Stratton (aka “skinny brother”).
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Holland with whom he shared the past 15 years; his former wife Sue Stratton, his three children, Kelly Stratton-Ridgeway (Sam), Kenneth Stratton (Tracy Godfrey), Chris Stratton (Jennifer); seven grandchildren, Amanda Thogmartin, Cole Thogmartin (Kyla), Haley Thogmartin, Jakob Stratton (Sierra), Evelyn Cross, Abigail Cross, and Samantha Stratton; 3 great-grandchildren, Aeryn, Tristan, Jaci, and a grandson on the way.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Joplin Elks Lodge and the VFW.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 24th, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 25th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary. There will be a private entombment held after the service.
Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.
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