Thomas “Tom” James

Thomas “Tom” James, age 79, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on October 18, 2026. He was born on August 24, 1947, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Clarence James and Mary Rector James.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Adrian Aguilar and her husband, Jaime, Nadine James, Patricia Hall, and Jennifer Zdunkiewcz and her husband, Mike; and his seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Diego, Mateo, Karsen, Mikey, Lauren, and Megan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Jim James and Patricia Savoia.

Tom graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He enjoyed his accounting career, but what he really loved was working with his hands. He was truly a “jack of all trades.” There wasn’t much he couldn’t build or fix, and if he didn’t know how, he would figure it out. He was the guy everyone could call when they needed something, and he was always happy to lend a hand.

He built his own home and enjoyed spending time working in his yard and garden. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Tom loved listening to baseball games on his back deck while grilling for his family, another one of his favorite pastimes. He was also a Harley-Davidson enthusiast who enjoyed the open road and took several cross-country trips on his motorcycle. One of his favorite adventures was a road trip with his lifelong friend, Skip Konst.

Tom was known to many simply as “Papa,” a name he will always be remembered by. His family will cherish their memories of him.

The family will hold a private celebration of life. Arrangements under the care and direction of Ozark Memorial Park Crematory, Neosho, Missouri.