Orvil James 1918-2009

Orvil James, age 90, son of Michael and Ada (Link) James was born July 28, 1918 in Plato, MO. He passed away May 17, 2009 at Texas County Memorial hospital, Houston, MO.

Preceded in death by his father and mother, Michael James and Ada (Link) James Elmore, his stepfather Arthur Elmore, three brothers Hurley James, Herschel James and Bert James, and his son Ronald James.

Surviving are his loving wife of 68 years, Faye James of their home in Roby, MO, 2 sons; Mike James of Roby, MO and Jim James and wife Rhonda of Fairview, TX and 2 grandsons; Steve and Scott James of Colorado.

Self-employed most of his life, logging and hauling gravel. Orvil loved life in Texas County and the Missouri Ozarks. He spent 18 months working on a farm on the Missouri-Iowa border when he and Faye were first married. Those North Missouri winters did not appeal to Orvil, and he vowed if he ever got back to good old Texas County he would never leave again. Orvil enjoyed farming, although be it on a small scale, he dearly loved working with cattle, hogs, chickens, and for many years kept a herd of goats numbering well over one hundred.

He was a jack of all trades and master of ALL. Orvil could do most anything and do it well. He was an expert mechanic, carpenter, electrician, plumber; you name it, Orvil seemed to be able to do it. He dearly loved nature and the great outdoors. Gardening was one of his passions, and Orvil was surely born with a green thumb. In later years, Orvil became interested in bird watching, especially his beloved Purple Martins. He constructed many bird houses and eagerly awaited the return of his deep purple friends each spring. He delighted in sitting out in the backyard, watching as they built their nests, the arrival of baby Martins, Dad and Mom feeding them, and his greatest thrill came from watching those youngsters take flight for the very first time.

Orvil was a wonderful friend and neighbor, a generous and kind man who lived his life helping others. Folks from miles around would often bring their lawn mowers, garden tillers, chain saws, farm tractors, etc., to Orvil to diagnose the problem and fix it. It was often said "If Orvil James can't fix it - no one can!" Folks would offer him payment, but Orvil would not accept it. He loved helping others and always strived to treat people the way he wanted to be treated.

Orvil was a faithful man of God and was active in church work all of his life. He accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized in July 1948 at Rock Creek near Roby, Missouri. He was a long time member of the Roby Christian Church. He dearly loved attending church and church activities, and continued as long as his health permitted him to do so.

Orvil has now joined his loved ones who have gone on before him, and is rejoicing in the presence of his Lord. He will be greatly missed by his dear family and friends, but we find peace and comfort knowing that he was fully prepared to make this last journey and we will join him someday.

Mt. Pisgah Cemetery