James Ray Mackey Sr.

James Ray Mackey Sr., age 60, of Lamar, passed away at 9:45 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at Barton County Memorial Hospital. James was born Oct. 24, 1945, in Okeene, Okla., to Lawrence and Velma (Weber) Mackey.

He moved with his family to Missouri in 1951 and spent most of his life in the Vernon/Barton County area. After graduating from Sheldon High School, James served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a farmer and self-employed electrician. He was a member of Local 453 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the National Rifle Association.

Survivors include his soulmate, Nancy Daniels, of the home; his father, Lawrence Mackey, Sheldon; four sons, Jimmy Mackey and Billie Jo, Rich Hill, Mo., Larry Mackey and Tess, Lamar, Michael Striegel and Denise, Branson West, Mo., and James Johnson and Vanessa, Rich Hill; a daughter, Michelle Hughes, Springfield; Eric Daniels, Nevada, and Amber Simmons, Lamar; two sisters Cleta and Roy Weaver, Mound Valley, Kan., and Pam and Rick Moffatt, Carthage, Mo.; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Velma, July 15, 2006.

A celbration of life and visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m., Friday, July 21, at Daniel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the National Rifle Association or the charity of the donor's choice, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.