James L. House, Sr. (Bolivar)'s Obituary
James Leonard House Sr., age 91, passed away on April 2, 2024, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Naomi House. They shared 72 years of marriage.
James was born in Vian, Oklahoma, and was the eldest of eight children. James served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Quartermaster Corporal, where completed his schooling while serving. He was self-employed as a mechanical and electrical engineer for 68 years, and spent his early career as a professional drafter. Some of his most notable projects included designing electrical grids for the International Space Station, as well as radar systems for Sikorsky Aircraft. Even after retirement, James continued practicing his craft, designing vehicles, buildings and an assortment of hydraulic machinery.
James was a member of The Academy of Model Aeronautics, and enjoyed building and flying R/C airplanes and playing Solitaire. He will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, brilliant mind, and innovative designs.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Thomas and Velma Lee House; his siblings, Ray Edmond House, Virginia Ann Blaylock, Freda Jane Thomas, Oleta Daine Saul, Captain Prentiss Lee House; and his son-in-law, Terry Lynn Cook; and his canine best friend, Sir William Charles House.
He is survived by his wife, Naomi House; his siblings, William Daniel House and Wanda Faye Anderson; his children, James Leonard House Jr., Betsy Ann HouseJohnson, Debbie Sue Cook, and Nancy Jean Schulze; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: April Elizabeth House, LFMT; Heather Ann Choat and her son, Greyson J Girdler; Rachel Louise Robson and her children, Avery Nicole Robson and Elliot Cooper Robson; Thomas Anthony Coulter and his son, Christopher James Rain and his daughters, Saphira Mayme Rain Stufflebean, GabrieLee Naomi Rain and AbbyGail Finley Rowan Rain; Merri Evelyn Skinner and her children, John Anthony Sanders and Sadie Ann Sanders; Emilee Anne Westerfield, and her children, Reide Westerfield and Patrick James Westerfield; Kerri Lynn Herring and her children, Jacob Leon Ash, Garrett Levi Ash and Jenna Sue Ash; and Jodi Sue Cook and her children, Abbey Jo Lawson, Lukas Jasper Lawson and James Chancellor Evans.
Graveside services for James will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 starting at 2:00 P.M. at the Barren Creek Cemetery in Fair Play, Missouri. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name.
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