James was born on October 15th, 1930 in Springfield, MO. He graduated from Pleasant Hope High School in 1948 and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1952 as a Korean War Veteran. After his service he held a long career as a jet engine mechanic with TWA/American Airlines and retired in 1992. He was an avid lover of travel, sports, karaoke, frogs, making people laugh, and condiments.
James is preceded in death by his first wife Betty June (1991), his second wife Lucille (2019), his sons James Daniel and Stephen Roy, his sister Margaret Jane Rand, his brother Robert Brown, his father Thomas Brown, and his mother Leela Mae.
James is survived by his daughter Andrea Rebecca and her partner Mark Needham.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of the VA Home Based Primary Care and Benton House of Tiffany Springs for their dedication to James’ care and well-being.
A graveside service for James will be held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 starting at 1 pm at Brighton Cemetery, 1618 MO-215, Brighton, MO 65617.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars , https://heroes.vfw.org/page/21776/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=homepage.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com for the McArtor family.