Mr. James Leroy “Jim” Soard, Sr., 76, of Webb City, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, April 18, 2021, surrounded by family at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri.
Jim entered this life on July 31, 1944, in Carthage, Missouri, one of twelve children born to the late Claude Soard, Sr. and Lillie (Davenport) Soard. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1964 graduate of Joplin High School. On June 30, 1967, he was united in marriage to Norma Kelley and to this union five children were born. Jim was a laborer throughout his life. He enjoyed researching family genealogy and was an avid collector of numerous items. Jim was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and eleven siblings, Virgie May Lane, Ruby Lee, Deanie Plummer, Nina Moore, Betty Andrews, Shirley Mitchell, Audrey Porter, Bobby Venson, Ernie Soard, Claude Soard, Jr. and Kenny Soard.
Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Norma Soard of the home; five children, James Soard, Jr. and wife, Audrey, of Carthage, Missouri, Darold Soard of Joplin, Brenda Soard of Peace Valley, Missouri, Christina Osborn and husband, Anthony, of Webb City and Mike Soard and wife, Rachel, of Neosho; nineteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021, in the chapel of Knell Mortuary in Carthage, Missouri, with Pastor Bob Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in the Webb City Cemetery. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Justin Soard, Wesley Barbee, Keith Small, Zac Barbee, Darold D. Soard and Caleb Soard with Brent Soard serving as an honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. In addition, the family will gather at the home of James and Audrey Soard, east of Carthage, on Thursday evening from 6-9:00 p.m. and all are welcome to join them. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Knell Mortuary in Carthage, Missouri.
