Jerry Leon James, age 75, passed away August 21, 2024 at his home in Sikeston, MO.

He was born October 30, 1948 in Sikeston, son of the late Otis M. James and Irene Mae Greer-James.

Jerry was owner and manufacturer of Jerry James Trailers since 1983 and the owner of Jerry James Melons since 1970.

His hobbies were hunting and fishing, he enjoyed crappie fishing at Okeechobee, FL; and liked old cars, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air is his favorite. Hard work was important to him.

On January 1, 1970, he was married to Brenda Lou Sadler-James, she survives of the home in Sikeston.

Other survivors include one son, Rick (Katrina) James of Sikeston; one daughter, Penny James of Sikeston; one brother, Terry K. James of Sikeston; 8 grandchildren, Nichole (Levi) Martell, Brenton (Hailey) James, Allyson (Brandon) Bell, Kelsey (Justin) Spears, Abby (Zach) Dannenmueller, Bennett Sutton, Alexis (Matt) Head, and Nolan (Kaylinn) Wilkinson; 12 great-grandchildren, Lexi, Zeke, Sophia, Athena, Hudson, Alizabeth, Isaac, Noah, Lukas, Teagan, Etta Rose, and James; his good fishing buddy, Frosty Cardwell; special friend, Sydney Howard; close friend, Larry DeWitt; and his special puppy, Macy.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by one brother, Dennis James.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1:00 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home. David Carnell will officiate.

Interment will follow at the Sikeston Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brenton James, Nolan Wilkinson, Austin Byrd, Bennett Sutton, Nick Fodge, Jon Fodge, and Terry James.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sydney Howard and Jimmy Dodd.

The James Family request memorials be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital, P O Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis TN 389101.