James Walter “Jim” French, Jr., 87, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Saturday afternoon, April 8, 2023, from complications of congestive heart failure at Oak Pointe Assisted Living, Carthage, Missouri.
Jim was born January 8, 1936, in Jasper County, Missouri, the son of the late James Walter French, Sr., and Margaret (Spracklin) French. He was a 1955 graduate of Carthage High School, and then attended Pittsburg State University. Jim was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. Jim was a longtime businessman, where he owned and operated French’s Grocery Store in Avilla, Missouri, and Royal Tire in Carthage. He also enjoyed farming with his father-in-law. He married Della Rimmer on January 8, 1971, in Carthage, Missouri. Jim was a member of the Lyons Club, the Shriner’s Train Crew, the Masonic Lodge of Carthage, and the Retreads Motorcycle Club. He loved riding his motorcycles, sail boating, fishing, but most of all, spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Della French; four sons, James David French, Frank Meister (Judy), Mark Allen French (Jeania), and Samuel Jayson French (Janice); two sisters, Susie Hickam and Carol Jones; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are suggested to Carthage Humane Society in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
