Homer A. James

Homer was born near Clifton Hill, MO on June 25, 1936 to Garnet and Irene (Finnell) James. He graduated from Moberly High School in 1954 and received an Associate’s Degree from Moberly Junior College in 1956. He was a member of the 1954-55 National Junior College Basketball Championship team coached by Maurice John. On June 22, 1958, he married Sharon Crotty at Immanuel Baptist Church in Moberly, MO.

Homer worked for MFA, Inc. for 45 years before retiring in 2001. He spent many years in their accounting department and supply division before finishing his career as MFA’s retirement plan manager, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He always spoke fondly of his coworkers. Homer served on the MFA Credit Union board for over 40 years. He also served in the Missouri National Guard from 1959-1966.

Homer loved sports and competition, playing fastpitch softball and basketball well into adulthood. He often said his claim to fame in fastpitch was hitting a loud foul ball off Eddie Feigner of the King and His Court. He also loved family events and other social gatherings where he enjoyed talking to and meeting people. In retirement, he enjoyed the annual trip to Silver Dollar City with the four grandkids and The Navigators Bible study meetings.

He was a member of Carpenter Street Baptist Church in Moberly, Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia, and at the time of his passing was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City. He served in several positions in the churches, frequently involving church finances, and as a deacon at Memorial and Concord. Homer knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and always mentioned his Sunday School teacher at Carpenter Street as being the most influential in his walk with Christ.

Homer is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Kurt (Julie) James of Kirkwood, MO; daughter, Karrie (Peter) Rookey of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Kendall (Tim) Beavers of Ballwin, MO, Evan James of Tulsa, OK, and Brio Rookey and Kaylee Rookey of Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Betty Turner of Fulton, MO; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marjorie Ornburn and Wilma Ancell; and brother Garnet (Jess) James Jr.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, MO. A second visitation will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm, both at Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, MO.

Memorials may be made to Concord Baptist Church, Global Impact Mission in care of the church.