James H. Tooley (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James Howard Tooley, son of James and Sada Nelson Tooley, was born October 30, 1931, in Felt, Oklahoma. He departed this life Tuesday, May 22, 2012, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, six months, and twenty-two days.
On January 27, 1973, he was united in marriage to Joan Theresa Boroviak Novell, and they shared the last thirty-nine years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Albert and Vernon Robertson; and two sisters, an infant, Norma, and Almeda.
James is survived by his wife, Joan, of the home; two daughters, Sherry Labeau, and her husband, Ted, of Colburn, Colorado, and Deborah Kenady, and her husband, Larry, of Windville, Missouri; five sons, James Tooley, Jr., and his wife, Judy, of Denver, Colorado, Robert Tooley, of Fort Collins, Colorado, Russell Novell, and his wife, Jan, of Long Lane, Missouri, William Novell, and his wife, Kristy, and David Novell, and his wife, Andrea, all of Berthoud, Colorado; fifteen grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; a sister, Norma Corker, of Waco, Texas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born in Oklahoma, and was raised in Springfield, Colorado, where he graduated from high school. He entered the military as a young man, and served his country faithfully in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he returned to Colorado where he began raising his family. He worked as a chef in a restaurant in Boulder, Colorado, and then was the manager of the Elks Club for a few years before he began operating a restaurant in 1973. He was a heavy equipment operator for several years, and then became a chemical operator for the Syntex Corporation until retiring. In 2004, he and Joan moved to Lebanon, Missouri, and made their home.
James was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lebanon.
In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were fishing and boating. He liked baking bread which he often sold at the local Farmer’s Market. He loved his family dearly and especially enjoyed all of his grandchildren. He also was very close to his little dogs.
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 know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them throughout the years.
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