James West

(From Parker Mortuary)

James Russell West, 53, passed from this life to a higher level on January 1, 2024. After graduating from Joplin High School, he worked in janitorial for Northpark Mall, CFI Trucking, Missouri Southern State University, Crothall Cleaning at Freeman Health System, and, most recently, Joplin Senior Center.

He loved watching televised football games. The thrill of his life was when he recently attended a Kansas City Chief’s game in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Lee and Edith Simpson, and paternal grandparents, Wardell and Louise West, an uncle, Eugene West, and two cousins, Yvette West and Shane Miller.

He is survived by his mother, Diana West, father, James West, his uncles, Wardell “Butch” West and Raymond West, aunts, Cheryl Gabriel and Charlotte Simpson, and cousins, Renata Freel, Prudence Simpson, Shasha Giee, and Jermaine and Jonathan West.

Although James had a disability, he never let that get him down. He had a positive outlook and enjoyed life. He lived on his own alone for 17 years altogether. He was told by vocational “experts” that he would never drive or be able to work but he successfully accomplished both. In fact, he became a model for other disabled people of what can be achieved.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel in Joplin, Missouri.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.