James Junior Ledford

Junior Ledford

Junior Ledford, 86, of Unionville, MO, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. He had been battling cancer.
James Junior Ledford was born on July 31, 1922 in Pennville, MO, the son of James Floyd and Opal (Dodson) Ledford who preceded him in death. He grew up in that area and on December 5, 1942 he joined the United States Army. He served in Northern France during WW II and was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
Junior returned to civilian life where he owned or managed various grocery stores and taverns and also spent 20 years managing Fetchling Seed Mill in Putnam County. Junior also farmed and at one time was involved in telephone cable construction. He was married to Helen Lowry and then to Wanetta Clay. His recent companion of over 15 years was Marcella McDonald who survives in Unionville. Junior liked to garden and take leisurely drives through the countryside. He enjoined an active social life and tried to live life to its fullest.
Junior Ledford is survived by his children: James Ledford and wife Carol of Kansas City, KS; Jack Ledford and Jerry Ledford of Unionville, MO; Jeff Ledford of Milan, MO; Janie Myers and husband J. D. of Cincinnati, IA; and Jeannie Ledford of Stanton, CA. Seventeen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren also survive. Junior is also survived by two sisters, Mildred Beel of Macon, MO and Aileen Burns of Nevada, IA.
Junior was preceded in death by a daughter, Jacqueline Ledford, a sister, Mary Bell, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Ledford.
Graveside services for Junior Ledford were held at the Dodson Cemetery on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 with visitation the preceding evening at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home. Brother Derek Isabel conducted the services with recorded music “In Color.” Casket bearers for Junior were his grandchildren, James Austin Ledford, Johnathan Wells, Wyatt Myers, Johnny Mont Ledford, Laci Ledford, and Jody Spurgeon.
Memorials are suggested to the Dodson Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO, 63565.