Jerry James

Jerry Leon James, 75, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, at his home in Sikeston.

He was born Oct. 30, 1948, in Sikeston, son of Otis M. James and Irene Mae Greer-James.

Jerry was owner and manufacturer of Jerry James Trailers since 1983 and the owner of Jerry James Melons since 1970.

His hobbies were hunting and fishing. He enjoyed crappie fishing at Okeechobee, Florida, and liked old cars, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air being his favorite. Hard work was important to him.

On Jan. 1, 1970, Jerry married Brenda Lou Sadler-James. She survives of the home in Sikeston.

Other survivors include son, Rick (Katrina) James of Sikeston; daughter, Penny James of Sikeston; brother, Terry K. James of Sikeston; eight grandchildren, Nichole (Levi) Martell, Brenton (Hailey) James, Allyson (Brandon) Bell, Kelsey (Justin) Spears, Abby (Zach) Dannenmueller, Bennett Sutton, Alexis (Matt) Head and Nolan (Kaylinn) Wilkinson; 12 great-grandchildren, Lexi, Zeke, Sophia, Athena, Hudson, Alizabeth, Isaac, Noah, Lukas, Teagan, Etta Rose and James; his good fishing buddy, Frosty Cardwell; special friend, Sydney Howard; close friend, Larry DeWitt; and his special puppy, Macy.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by one brother, Dennis James.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral Monday, Aug. 26, at Ponder Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, with David Carnell officiating.

Interment will follow at the Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brenton James, Nolan Wilkinson, Austin Byrd, Bennett Sutton, Nick Fodge, Jon Fodge and Terry James.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sydney Howard and Jimmy Dodd.

The James family requests memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis TN 389101.