Estel James

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Estel Elvin James, 96, of Marble Hill passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at the Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born Nov. 17, 1919, in Huxie, Missouri, the son of Robert Monroe and Julia Emmaline Shell. He and Lucille Prater were united in marriage Feb. 14, 1946.

Estel served his country proudly during World War II in the air offensive of Japan, Central Burma, China and India, earning the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with five Bronze Stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal, three overseas bars and one service stripe. He also worked on the stripping down of the Enola Gay.

He was a member of Palmore Chapel General Baptist Church and worked as a carpenter all of his life.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of the home; two sons, Mackie (Alice) James of Blytheville, Arkansas, and Elvin (Candi) James of Tulsa, Oklahoma; two daughters, Paula (Gerald) McCoy of Jackson and Linda (Franklin) Goza of Jennings, Missouri; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Willie, Clarence, Homer and Ernie James; sisters Cellie Danin, Iva Robbins, Bea Toombman, Marie Stephens, Virgie Johnson and Desie Plax; and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Andy Sander, Steven Sander and Lloyd Ray Green officiating. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.