MELBERN JAMES

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Melbern W. James, 81, of Marble Hill, Mo., died Saturday, March 10, 2001, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 21, 1919, in Lutesville, Mo., son of Noah and Hollie Eaker James. He first married Jewell A. Elledge in July 1941. He married Mildred May on April 29, 1961.

James was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. He received four Bronze Star medals.

He was a retired lab technician for the Granite City Steel Co. He was a member of the Point Pleasant General Baptist Church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5900.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred; a son, Timmy James of Marble Hill; a daughter, Ellen Godwin of Marble Hill; a brother, Clemo James of Marble Hill; a sister, Parthene Cazaad of Moro, Ill.; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two children, his parents, six brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with family members officiating. Burial with full military rites by VFW Post 5900 and the Missouri Honors Team will follow in Baker Cemetery near Marble Hill.