James Odel Phelps passed away Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Greenville Nursing and Rehab, at 80 years, 10 months, 21 days. He was born in Coulterville, IL, November 10, 1939 to parents Wilford Carl and Wilma Lucille (Lockhart) Phelps-Lewis.
James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He married Louise (Boyer) Dameron on February 14, 1965, and to this union, they were blessed with four beautiful daughters. James married Virginia Ann Hemmerlein on March 21, 1984. James was employed at Handy Things in Poplar Bluff. James was also a driver for Services for Extended Employment (SEE) in Piedmont, among other odd jobs he could find. He loved to hunt and fish. He was an active member of Cool Springs Baptist Church, Taskee.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brother: Larry R. Phelps; sister: Dixie Lou Spreitler; sister-in-law: Karla Jean Phelps; nephews: Danny Spreitler, Carl Davis, David Spreitler, Clinton Davis, Scott Foster.
James is survived by his loving wife of thirty-six years; children: Ellen Carter and husband Shayne of Ellsinore, Kimberly Farris of Grandin, Rachel Coleman and husband Kenny of Grandin, Rebekah McKinney and husband Fred of West Plains; ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; sister: Linda Foster and husband Carl of Gulfport, MS; mother-in-law: Lois Virginia Hemmerlein brother-in-law’s: Bill Spreitler of Gulfport, MS, Earnest Lee Hemmerlein and wife Cathy of Williamsville; nephews: Mike Foster, Mark Foster, David Phelps, Lee Hemmerlein; nieces: Sherry Killegrew, Sheila Ramsey, Amanda Gerlach, Lois Clinton, many cousin’s, other nieces, nephews and friends. James will be greatly missed.
Visitation was held at 10:00 am, Saturday, Oct 10, 2020, at Cool Springs Baptist Church, Taskee. A memorial service followed at 11:00 am, also at Cool Springs Baptist Church. Bro. Tommy Brown ministered to the family. Music was provided by Fred McKinney, Jeanette Cox, and Lois Clinton. Burial was in Cool Springs Cemetery, Taskee. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com
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