Charles James

Charles C. James, 71, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 20, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, to Charles C. and Dolly Ruth Kutchin James.

Charles served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was wounded in combat and received various medals for his actions.

He was a pipefitter by trade and was a member of Local 562. He was a member of VFW Post 3838, American Legion Post 63, and was a past commander of Disabled American Veterans. He was heavily involved in old cars, especially Corvettes.

Survivors include three brothers, William Jesse (Margaret) James of Ocala, Florida, Bob (Joyce) Vines of Cape Girardeau and Jim (Leona) Vines of St. Charles, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and -nephews; and great-great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Buddy James and wife Hazel.

Charles had several friends who looked after him. His family wants to give special thanks to the nursing staffs at that Missouri Veterans Home, Saint Francis Medical Center and the dialysis department at Southeast Hospital.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery at Egypt Mills, with full military honors conducted by Missouri Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or to the National Kidney Foundation, 10803 Olive Blvd., Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63141.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.