Harold Pete James

Harold Ford Pete James, 87, of Mexico, died at 4:05 p.m., Friday, July 2, 2010, at Golden Living Center/Pin Oaks in Mexico.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Jay Morris officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from Noon until service time. Burial will be in Laddonia Cemetery.

Mr. James was born December 27, 1922, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, a son of Oliver Paul OP and Marjorie (Ford) James. On June 26, 1949, in Laddonia, he married Wanda M. Jeffries who survives.

He received a BS from Westminster College in Fulton. Mr. James served in the US Army during World War II with the 35th infantry Division in France and Germany. He operated the Mexico Coca-Cola Bottling Company from 1949 through 1975. He then worked with Drumright, Robinson, and James Accountants from 1975 until his retirement.

Mr. James was a former Mexico Mayor and City Councilman, was a life member of the Mexico Rotary Club and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mexico. He enjoyed reading, listening to music, and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Wanda, he is survived by one son, Jeff James and wife Darlene, Belton; two grandchildren, Cpl. Ian James, USMC, Quantico, Virginia, and Devyn James, Belton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brother, Richard, Frederick, and Charles; and two sisters, Josephine and Marjorie.

Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor s choice. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at the Golden Living Center and to all their friends.