James Trout

James Richard Trout, a former local school superintendent, U.S. Army veteran and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 12, 2020, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was 77 years old.

A native of Kewanee, Missouri, he was born Dec. 18, 1942, to Paul and Verda Jenkins Trout.

He played baseball and basketball at Kewanee High School, graduating in the top 10% of his class. He went on to attend Arkansas State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in guidance and counseling.

James was teaching high school in Peculiar and Winona, Missouri, also coaching baseball and basketball, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He joined the 1st Cavalry Division during the Vietnam War, serving as a medic and later advancing to the rank of captain. James nearly lost his life in combat in Vietnam, but was saved by his close friend, "Bud" Willis, to whom the Trout family has always been grateful.

He met his wife, Annette Regan, while on leave in Sydney, Australia. After marrying in 1969 in Advance, Missouri, they had two daughters, Alisa and Jamee. An avid football and basketball fan, James even taught his older daughter, Alisa, to memorize the names of every NFL team in the nation at the age of 3.

He worked as athletic director for Job Corps, then later became principal in the Bell City (Missouri) School District, also serving for many years as a basketball coach and leading the team to a district championship. He later became principal of Woodland District High School. He then advanced to serve as superintendent of Woodland and later Bolivar (Missouri) Schools. He would then go on to serve in a statewide role, as an area supervisor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, before he retired in 2011.

Never content to sit still, James remained active, helping his daughter and son-in-law with chores on their farm, even when they urged him to relax, and doting on his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as "pappy," as did their friends and schoolmates.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Trout of Cape Girardeau; daughters, Alisa (Steve) Ritea of Los Angeles and Jamee (Charles) Cox of Olive Branch, Illinois; grandchildren, Mary Beth and Brian Cox of Olive Branch; and brothers, Ronald (Carole) Trout of Richardson, Texas, and Michael (Pat) Trout of Sheridan, Wyoming.

He was preceded in death by another brother, Gary Trout, whose surviving wife is Melody. He is also survived by many wonderful relatives across the nation and in Australia.

Cremation is planned, and a memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in James' name to either the Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, 300 Floyd Ave., Sikeston, MO 63801.

Inurnment will be in Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.