James W. Jarrell, son of the late John William "Bill" and Millie Emiline James Jarrell, was born in Puxico, Missouri on June 22, 1940, and passed away at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on January 3, 2012, at the age of 71

He had lived in the Dexter and Puxico areas most of his life. He was of the United Methodist faith. He worked for many years at Arvin in Dexter. He was a member of the UAW and the Stoddard County Genealogical Society.

On September 17, 1967 he was married to NormaJean Rhodes in Bell City, Missouri. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2003

Surviving are his two sons, Melvin Jarrell of Bloomfield, Missouri and Jimmy Wayne Jarrell of Puxico; as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by one sister who died in infancy.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2012, at 11 a.m., at the Essex United Methodist Church in Essex with Rev. Roy Sherfield of Dexter officiating.

Interment will be at a later date with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Essex United Methodist Church or the Stoddard County Genealogical Society. Online condolences may be sent to the family at the Watkins Funeral Home website, Watkins Funeral Home