Fred James, 86, passed away on May 6, 2016 surrounded by the family he loved so much. Fred was born March 21, 1930 to Joe & Juanita James of Albany MO and was the middle child of three sons. Fred graduated from Albany High School and went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville MO where he earned his BS Degree in Education. He started his teaching career in Jackson, MO where he met Janis Pierce Tucker and they were united in marriage on January 29, 1955 and shared 61 wonderful years together as husband and wife. To this union was a step-son and then 3 daughters were born. Fred earned his Masters and Ed. Specialist degree and started an administrative career in Carrier Mills, IL in 1960 and then began as Superintendent of Schools in Chaffee, MO in 1963. His career later moved the family to Hermann and Richmond, MO, and then settled in Strafford, MO in 1976 as Superintendent of Schools. Fred retired from the Strafford School District in 1986 after a successful 35 years devoted to children and their educational opportunities. Fred, Janis, and the family started vacationing at Table Rock Lake in the early 1960''s and fell in love with the lake and the activities it provided. After retirement, he and Janis moved to Table Rock Lake where they lived until his death. Fred was an exceptional person, a loyal and loving husband, a dedicated educator & colleague, a great friend, and an awesome brother, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He was devoted to his family and believed the best times were spent with those he loved so much. Fred was a previous active member of the Masons and a member of the Kimberling City Baptist Church.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Juanita James, and his brother Norman James. He is survived by his wife Janis, of the home, brother Robert James and wife Norma, Montgomery Tx., and 4 children: John Tucker and wife Connie, Springfield, Mo., Denise Fiala and husband Dan, Lee''s Summit, Mo., Jeannine Medlin and husband Tim of Clever, Mo., and Tanya Vest and husband Darren of Springfield, Mo. Fred is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Charlotte Phipps, Kyle Fiala, Lindsey Camron, Leslie Batson, Sonya Tucker, Kahley Fiala, Clayton Tucker, Jami Kaempfe, Joe Batson, Dayton Vest and 12 great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, a nephew, and many friends and colleagues.
Visitation will be at Klingner-Cope Chapel @ Rivermont from 6-8:00 PM on Monday, May 9, 2016 with graveside service at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 at Rivermont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Kimberling City Library.