Minnie Jean James

Minnie James, 81, of Kirksville, MO, passed away at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO, on Thursday, June 27, 2019, after suffering a stroke.

Minnie Jean (Bartmess) James was born in Lucerne, MO, on May 19, 1938, the daughter of Vearl and Lourien (Bowman) Bartmess, who preceded her in death. She was reared in Lucerne and graduated from Newtown High School in Newtown, MO. Minnie then began a long career as a caregiver and nurses’ aide. She worked as a private nurse in home healthcare for a number of years and then as a nurse’s aide in a number of nursing homes. Minnie also worked as a nurse’s aide at KOH and Laughlin hospitals in Kirksville. She cared for a number of children in her home while her daughter was growing, as well as taking in ironing and mending work. She later worked as a kitchen hostess at Hy-Vee in Kirksville, retiring from this job.

Minnie married Walter Leo James in Edina, MO, on July 20, 1968, and he preceded her in death in 1979. Walter brought four children into this marriage. Minnie liked to sew, quilt, and embroidery. She liked to work jigsaw puzzles and puzzle books in her later years. She loved to eat ice cream and had a rather extensive collection of salt and pepper shakers.

Minnie is survived by her daughter, Amanda James (fiancé Charles Knight) of Kirksville, MO, step-grandchildren, Ryan and Bobbie Jo, and a sister, Thelma (John) Martin of Paloma, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Minnie was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Bartmess, and a sister, Anna Mae Stewart.

Graveside services for Minnie James will be at the Lucerne Cemetery in Lucerne, MO, at 11:30 on Wednesday, July 3, with visitation at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home from 10:00 – 11:00 the same day as the service. Interment will be at the Lucerne Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the family and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.