LeRoy (Lefty) M. James, 82, Hamilton, Missouri, passed away at his home on July 15, 2016. He had lived in Caldwell County, Mo., most of his life.

Lefty was born on March 30, 1934, in Polo, Mo., to Jesse Edward "Ed" and Vera Mumpower James. He was a 1952 graduate of the Polo High School.
He had worked various jobs over the years but was the owner of his own business, James Backhoe, and worked as a heavy equipment operator.

Lefty loved operating his backhoe. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, as well as hand fishing, shooting his guns, playing cards with his brother, Donald, and his friends, and altogether spending time with his numerous friends and family.

Lefty was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol, son, Jeffrey; and brother, Richard James.

Survivors: Children-David James, Breckenridge, Mo.; Brad James, Kidder, Mo.; Dennis James, Lee's Summit, Mo.; Shari (Darrin) Kipp, Hamilton, Mo.; and Heather (Kris) McCrackin, Burnettsville, Indiana; 13 grandchildren-Keyla, Jerid, Amy, Heather, Crystal, Heaven, Josh, Eli, Mason, Cydnee, Chase, Gage and Gavin; 7 great-grandchildren; Brother-Donald James, Hamilton, Mo; and Sister-Ruth Pierce, Hamilton, Mo.

Memorial Service: 5 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, at the Hamilton United Methodist Church Family Life Center, Hamilton, Mo.

Visitation: 1 hour prior the service at the church, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Caldwell County Foundation Cancer Assistance Fund in care of Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.