James L. Stoops, 100, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at Pinecrest.
He was born Nov. 7, 1909, in Carroll Township in Texas County, son of George and Rosetta Beckelshymere Stoops.
He graduated from Summersville High School in 1927 and began working that year with AT&T in testing and installation. He retired in 1969 and returned to Texas County. He started the first telephone company in Summersville and ran a number of other businesses, including a timber farm, sawmill, lumber products company, auto parts supply operation and trailer park.
He was a local historian who loved music, dancing, gardening and fishing. He was active in the business community. He and his wife, Juanita, were active at the Summersville Senior Center. He wrote “Rocky Trails” about the history of the Ozark area.
He survived a heart attack and many cancers. He attributed it to dancing for exercise between treatments.
He celebrated his 100th birthday Nov. 6 at the Summersville Senior Center. His birthday was mentioned on the “Today” show, and he received a resolution from the Missouri House, presented by Rep. Don Wells, for being a Missourian centenarian.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Perl, who died in infancy, Ramon and Muriel Medlock.
Survivors include his wife, Juanita Stoops; two sons, James L. Stoops and Michael Stoops; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and other family members.
Private graveside services were Wednesday, Dec. 3, in Bethel Cemetery under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home.
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Bethel Cemetery and left at Community Bank NA. Online condolences may be made at bradfordfuneralhome.net.
