James Gooch's Obituary
James Arthur Gooch, son of Floyd Lee and Edna Louise Eason Gooch, was born June 6, 1941, in Manila, Arkansas. He departed this life Tuesday, January 16, 2007, in Cox Medical Center South, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of sixty-five years, seven months, and ten days. On September 17, 1969, he was united in marriage to Rita Sue Hooker, and together they shared the last thirty-seven years. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Jimmy Gooch; two brothers, Louis Edward, and J. L. Gooch; and a sister, Ruby Willis. James is survived by his wife, Rita, of Lebanon, Missouri; a daughter, Maria Beebee, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a son, Art Phillips, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a step-daughter, Donna Williams, of Lebanon, Missouri; a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Bobby Gooch, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sisters, Barbara Goring, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Edna Leighty, of Eldridge, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born in Arkansas and was raised in Southeast Missouri, close to Sikeston. About forty years ago, he moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and made his home. He had worked as a truck driver for Bass Tracker in Lebanon for several years. James had followed the Baptist faith throughout his life. In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were fishing and hunting. He liked to bowl and had played on several leagues throughout the years. He was considered quite a “wheeler/dealer” and enjoyed swapping and trading all kinds of things. He also liked spending time with his family. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2007, in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Lebanon. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 - 5:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorials to the American Kidney Foundation may be made through the funeral home.
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