James Jefferson Maples, 89, passed away Monday, June 13, 2022 in Carthage, Missouri. James was born June 17, 1932 in Jasper, Missouri to William J. Maples and Juanita E. Davis. He was raised in the Jasper/Alba area and attended Rising Sun Elementary School. After graduating from Alba High School, James enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves along with is good friend, Ray Nixon. He was recruited to play baseball and run track for Milligan Christian College in Johnson City, Tennessee. For one year, James was coached by the beloved Milligan Athletic Director, Duard Walker. After only one year of college, he enlisted to go active duty in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in several locations during his 24 year military career. During this time, James served as Deacon and Elder in several Christian Churches. While stationed in Washington, he attended Central Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, James coached college basketball at Puget Sound Christian College for about five years, then served as their Athletic Director for a short time. James also loved playing and watching baseball. He was an avid, lifetime St. Louis Cardinals fan. Even after James retired, he enjoyed playing in church and military baseball and softball leagues.
James was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Blevins on June 12, 1955 in Alba, Missouri; she preceded him in death on January 14, 2021.
James is survived by three daughters, Beth Ladd and her husband, David of Arlington, Washington, Rebecca Dartnall and her husband, David of West Richland, Washington, and Debbie O’Neil and her husband, Kevin of Kennewick, Washington; one sister, Betty Priester of St. Louis, Missouri; four brothers, Don Maples of Alba, Missouri, John Maples of Webb City, Missouri, Carl Maples of Cherokee, Kansas and Gene Maples of Holt, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Joshua, Johnathan, Nick, Rachel, Katie, Zack, Daniel, Spencer, and Conner; and seventeen great grandchildren, Ayden, Ashton, Deacon, Sawyer, Lucy, Stella, Chandler, Lilah, Samson, Rocky, Abbey, Zeke, Jessica, Jack, Earnest, Edith and Quinn.
James is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Maples; his son, Mark Jefferson Maples on February 14, 1989; his parents, William and Juanita Maples; two brothers, William Maples, Jr. and Tom Maples; and three sisters, Shirley Ann Jiles, Patricia Busby and Maxine Campbell.
Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Alba Christian Church in Alba, Missouri. A visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022 at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage, Missouri. Burial will be at Park Cemetery with Military Honors in Carthage, Missouri following the services.
Contributions may be made to Charlie 22 Outdoors in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Charlie 22 Outdoors is a local 501©3 non-profit organization founded on the passion to “serve those who have already served.” They are based in Webb City, Missouri.
Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
