The Excelsior Standard, Dec. 6, 2024

Dr. Charles James, JR

Dr. Charles Franklin James Jr., 93, of Excelsior Springs passed away Nov. 22, 2024, at his home. A visitation will be held 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, followed by a memorial service at 2, at Hidden Valley Funeral Home, 1015 E. H Highway, Liberty. “Charlie” was born in Des Arc, the fifth child of Beulah and Charles James. He enjoyed growing up with his five sisters and continued a close relationship with them his whole life.

Family was always important to him! That included his family growing up, and his own family with wife Mollie and three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Charlie served from 1951 to 1955 in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, he attended Purdue University, where he completed his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in engineering.

Charlie’s professional life was as an engineering educator. He taught and was an administrator at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Massachusetts, Ohio University, Massey University in New Zealand, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wis. He was a devoted teacher, and his students gained so much from his knowledge and passion for engineering.

Charlie also was an arbitrator for 20 years. For fun, he rode his motorcycle!

After his retirement, he and Mollie established their farm in rural Missouri. He enjoyed the quiet life and pleasant views from their back porch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. James Sr. and Beulah Kite James; and sisters, Clarenda Janis, LaVerne Czajkowski, Vivien Clark and Wilma Myracle.

He leaves behind his wife, Mollie K. James; sons, Tom Stewart and Jeremy James; daughter, Darcey Mc-Donough; and sister, Twyla Witt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Excelsior Springs Hospital Hospice; 1010 N. Jesse James Road; Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

Arrangements entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Homes. Website: www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com.