Maurice “Maury” Elam James, 73, son of Maurice and Ruby (Crawford) James, was born June 16, 1939, in Grandpa and Grandma Crawford’s home in Bado, Mo. He passed away on Oct. 18, 2012, in Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo.
Maury grew up in the Bado area attending several country schools. He graduated from Houston High School in 1957. While in high school, he was active in several sports, especially enjoying football. He was also a member of the FFA.
Maury found himself traveling to Montana after high school. While there he met and married Linda Berthelote on March 28, 1959, in Sunburst, Montana. To this union two children were born, Miles and Lu Ellen.
He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice; and one grandson, Devin Ross Gunter.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda; one son, Miles James, Houston, Mo.; a daughter, Lu Ellen Gunter and husband, Rob, of Bucyrus, Mo.; 4 grandchildren, Jodi Arthur and husband, Luke, Ken James and Ashley, Payton and Cassie Gunter and Stanton Gunter; five great-grandchildren, Makenzi, Jordan and Jacob Arthur, Abilena Gunter and Emilia James and another precious great grandchild on the way in February that Maury was anxiously looking forward to seeing. He is also survived by his Mom, Ruby James of Houston, Mo.; brother, Mike James and wife, Jackie, of Houston, Mo.; sister, Lola Stringer and husband, Bill, of Columbia, Mo.; and brother, Terry and wife, Jan, of Conway, Ark.; and numerous other family members and friends made through the years
Maury was born on a farm and maybe that explains his love for the land, farming and ranching. He and Linda farmed and ranched for over 50 years while raising their family. Maury loved working and talking to his cattle. He loved the land, outdoors and sporting events, especially if one of his kids or grandkids were involved. However, the greatest joys of his life were “those grandkids and great-grandkids.” He looked forward to their visits, always spending as much time with them as possible.
Maury was a wonderful husband, father, son, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services were 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at Houston United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Norris officiating. Pallbearers were Ken James, Payton Gunter, Stanton Gunter, Luke Arthur, John Stringer, Wesley James, Matthew James and Mark Doggett. Honorary Pallbearers were; Charles Cooper, Kenneth Barnes, Richard Hicks, Steve Collins and Lance Neal. Burial was in Union Cemetery in Houston, Mo., under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Houston United Methodist Church or Union Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
