Wilbert Melvin James, 85, of St. Louis died October 12, 2009 at his daughter’s home in rural Fredericktown, Missouri.

He was born April 8, 1924 in Zalma, Missouri, a son of Will and Myrtle James.

Mr. James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kathleen; two brothers, Bill and Hubert James; and two sisters, Della Bess and Millie Jerrell.

He is survived by one daughter, Nancy K. Minogue of rural Fredericktown; one brother, Lee James of Glencoe, Missouri; two sisters, Beulah Kesterson of Oklahoma  and Modine Kitchens of Colorado; and three step-children, Ross Allan, Marcella Conley and Martha Watts; and several in-laws.

Mr. James had two granddaughters, one grandson; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; one uncle; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

He spent most of his youth in Puxico, Missouri. He was a retired automobile mechanic that had worked in several places in St. Louis and Southeast Missouri.

Mr. James loved the outdoors and being with family and friends. He also loved his little town of Puxico and the general area.

Services were held October 16, 2009 at Follis and Sons Funeral Home in Fredericktown, Missouri with the Reverend Gene Robbins officiating. Burial was at the Puxico City Cemetery in Puxico, Missouri.

Arrangements by Follis and Sons Funeral Home of Fredericktown, Missouri

www.follisandsonsfh.com