James E. Rountree (Buffalo)'s Obituary
James Rountree, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on August 3, 2025 at the age of 93 years, 8 months and 28 days. He was born on November 6, 1931, on a farm near Urbana, Missouri, to John and Minnie Bell (Fugate) Rountree. James knew what hard work was most of his life. At a very young age he helped his dad daily with farm chores as well as his mom with household tasks. While still young, some weekends and during the summer months, not only did he work on the family farm, but James also helped a local disabled man doing farm chores for him such as, fixing fence, buying and selling hogs, cooking meals and attending to some of the gentleman’s health needs. Later when James’ dad had a heart attack and could no longer work, all of the outdoor chores were left up to James. He milked 18 head of cattle by hand, separated the milk & cream and fed the hogs all before going to school in the mornings. James remained home after graduating high school from Urbana, Missouri, to care for his parents and see after the farm. During the Army draft in the 1950s, neighbors spoke on behalf of James for a Hardship Deferment due to his family’s need on the farm. However, later he felt it was also his responsibility to serve his country, so James chose to serve his time in the U.S. Army. In order to continue caring for his parents, he sent most of his money home, keeping only $5 a month for himself. On October 28, 1956, James married the love of his life, Leuritta Rountree (Rambo), in Louisburg, Missouri. They started their life together in Kansas City, where their two children were born. The family later moved back to Buffalo, Missouri, where James worked at a contractor supply company in Springfield. James & Leuritta shared 68 years of wonderful memories together. Living on the farm near Buffalo was a very special time for James as he loved being outdoors; brush hogging, attending the cattle, cutting wood and building fence with his beloved wife Leuritta by his side. People quite often commented wherever you saw one of them, the other was almost always right there beside the other. James was a devoted husband and father and time spent with family was extremely important to him. When their children were very young and the family was living in Kansas City, James would come home from work and often go out and play with them and their neighborhood friends. James was an avid griller and loved sharing his delicious creations with family and friends. He also enjoyed being in the kitchen with Leuritta cooking and helping with dinners whenever he could. James and Leuritta made many friends on their camping adventures at the lake and while traveling to events with a food concession business. They owned the business for many years after James retired from his job in Springfield. James and Leuritta also enjoyed going to Springfield Cardinal baseball games together. After retiring, James & Leuritta built a new home in the Elkland, Missouri area where they resided together until the time of his passing. James was an active member of Bible Baptist Church in Buffalo along with his wife and family. He loved his church deeply and found great joy in attending. He and Leuritta attended church their entire lives together until they could no longer physically do so. James is survived by his wife of 68 years, Leuritta Rountree; two children, son Steve Rountree & wife Dee of Elkland, MO daughter Teresa Towe & husband David of Lebanon, MO along with their families; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Those preceding him in death include his parents; one brother, Arnold Rountree; and one sister, Virgie Marler. James’ memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Bro. Bruce Andrews officiating. Escorts will be Russ Allen, Jason Butler, Terry Jones, Danny Lewis, Robert Pettitt, and Darrell Reed. Interment will be in the Mission Ridge Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mission Ridge Cemetery Fund.
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