John W. James, 92, (known to family and friends as Jay or JW) of Independence, Missouri, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.

Jay, the son of Jim and Grace (Pierce) James was born November 15, 1927 in Albany, Missouri.  He grew up on a farm at Carmack Junction.

Jay graduated from Albany High School, class of 1945.  Even though World War II was officially over and the draft continued, following his graduation, Jay enlisted in the Navy on October 10, 1945. He was stationed in Shanghi, China as a radioman doing Morse-Code communication.  He attended school in San Diego and returned to China as a Telemann doing Tele-type communications as a 3 ^rd Class Petty Officer.  He was honorably discharged November 15, 1948.

On April 2, 1950, he was united in marriage to Billie L. Cook. They were married for 68 years. She preceded him in death October 28, 2018.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, daughter Deborah (Debbie) Scovill and a granddaughter Johnna Savage.

Jay was a National Service Manager for Western Auto in Kansas City, Missouri, retiring in1990 after 40 years of service.

Jay and Billie were able to enjoy over 25 years at Pomme de Terre Lake, where they made many lifelong friends.

Survivors:  daughter, Barbra "Bobbie" Harris, Independence, MO; granddaughter, Heather (Bob) White, Independence, MO; great-grandchildren, Nick Reed, Alexis Harris, Shelby White; brother, Ronald (Linda) James, Independence, MO

Graveside Service and Burial with Military Rites:  3:00 PM Friday, November 6 at Camack Cemetery, Albany.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the graveside service on Friday at the Roberson-Polley Chapel, Albany.  The family would like to request masks be worn. Memorial Contributions:  American Cancer Society in care of the Roberson-Polley Chapel, 403 N. Hundley, Albany, MO  64402.  Online Condolences:  www.robersonpolleychapel.com