James Delmer Waltrip

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

James Delmer Waltrip, 80, Nevada, Mo., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., following a brief illness. James was born April 17, 1941, in Monett, Mo. to Warren D. and Stella L. (Snider) Waltrip. He married Martha Reedy on May 14, 1963, in Monett, and she survives of the home.

James was raised in the Monett and Pierce City area. From 1959 to1962 he served in the United States Navy. In 1966, he reentered the Navy and served until his retirement in 1983. Following his time in the service, he came back to Vernon County living near Compton Junction. James worked for Thorpe’s Appliance, operated his own plumbing business for 10 years, and later worked at O’Sullivan Industries in Lamar until retiring. He attended the First Christian Church in Nevada. He enjoyed writing poetry, fishing, mowing his lawn, being Martha’s jelly and jam maker, and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan.

In addition to his wife, Martha, he is survived by four children, James Waltrip (Jeanette), Joplin, Martha Moss (John), Nevada, Janet Taylor (Jay Taylor Sr.), Walker, and Pauline Jeans (Wayne), Richards; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Mahan (Charles), Monett, and Virginia Reedy (Thomas Reedy Jr.), Kidder, Mo.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Waltrip, Aurora; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Waltrip.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 18, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor Jeff Robinson officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Walker, Mo. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested in his memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.