DEXTER, Mo.— James Franklin Wilthong of Puxico, Missouri passed away March 26, 2022 at the age of 88.
James married Glenda Elaine Weaver Jan. 1, 1955 in Paragould, Arkansas.
James enjoyed a full and wonderful life. He was faithfully dedicated to his Lord Jesus Christ. He was born and raised in Paragould, Arkansas and graduated from Greene County Tech High School. He obtained his college degrees from Arkansas State University. He taught, coached and was high school principal at Southland School, Cardwell and Arbyrd, Missouri.
James then settled with Elaine in Puxico, Missouri and served as superintendent of the Puxico school district for 11 years before he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, nature, sports, gardening and traveling.
James served as Alderman and Mayor of Puxico, Missouri. James served faithfully as a member, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Puxico.
He served on the Stoddard Cane Creek Baptist Association and disaster chainsaw team. He was a member of Gideons International.
Community service was very important to James as he served volunteering at Mingo National Wild Life Refuge, Rotary Club projects and Homecoming activities. He served as a Rotary Club Member at Cardwell and Puxico, Stoddard County Mental Health Board, Community Relation Council at Mingo Job Core Center. James was a Korean Veteran and member of VFW Puxico Post 7822 and American Leigon.
James is survived by his wife, Elaine Wilthong; his daughter, Sheryl (Dale) Hartzog of Panama City, Florida; one sister, Ellen (Polie) Cameron; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lucy (Darnell) Wilthong; one brother, William Wilthong and one sister, Helen Hudgens.
Visitation was held from 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Puxico, Missouri and funeral service followed at 11 a.m. with Pastor Justin Miller of Puxico officiating.
Internment took place at Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Paragould, Arkansas at 3 p.m. with Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to First Baptist Church building fund or Gideons International.
Watkins and Sons Funeral Service
info@watkinsfuneralhome.com or phone 573-624-3548.