Ross James

Born June 19, 1918, at Jasper, Ark., son of the late Chester A. and Walice Rutledge James, he was a member of the Essex First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for the past 54 years, and was a self-employed farmer.

His wife, Elsie M. Dozier, survives of the home.

Other survivors include: three sons, Stephen James of Fredericktown, Tom James of Dexter and John James of Montgomery City; one daughter, Judi Boyle of Dexter; two brothers, Lawton James of Dexter and Dorwin James of Desloge; one sister, Wanda Mahan of Jackson, Mich.; and 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Four sisters, Doris Wren, Ethelyn James, Billie Dale and Aral Reynolds, preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, where services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Revs. O.H. Brooks and Gary Gilbert will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.