James McDonough Sr.

ZALMA, Mo. — James Rhea McDonough Sr., 79, of Zalma went to Heaven on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, at Woodland Hills in Marble Hill, Missouri.

He was born March 31, 1943, to Clarence Edward and Naoma Grace Hatley McDonough. On June 15, 1962, he married Linda Sue Cowell, and she survives.

James was retired from Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked as an engineer for 40-plus years. He was a member of Berrong General Baptist Church in Zalma, where he served as a deacon and was part of the music ministry.

He received his 50-year membership pin after service at Morley Masonic Lodge No. 184 and then Zalma Masonic Lodge No. 545. During his tenure, he served in many positions within the organization.

Writing and playing gospel and bluegrass music was also a lifelong passion. James was very talented, playing both the banjo and guitar. There were many memories made while family and friends enjoyed listening to him and his wife share their musical gifts.

He had a passion for fishing and hunting that he passed on to family and friends over the years.

Also surviving are a son, James (Angie) McDonough Jr. of Benton, Missouri; daughter, Elizabeth (Matthew) Cox of Scott City; son, Jason (Amanda) McDonough of Leopold, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Linda McDonough of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; brother, Ranney (Lenda) McDonough of Poplar Bluff; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John McDonough; brother, Hugh McDonough; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Hensley.

Visitation will be from noon until the time of service at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at Morgan Funeral Home in Advance, Missouri. Masonic rites will be conducted at the beginning of visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Berrong General Baptist Church, c/o Danielle Stilts, 6631 State Highway E, Gipsy, MO 63750.