James Woodrow Orchard, Jr. was born July 21, 1936, in Eminence, Missouri, to James Woodrow Orchard, Sr. and Velma (Wallace) Orchard. He departed this life on February 1, 2023, at Mountain View Healthcare in Mountain View, Missouri, at the age of 86 years, 6 months, and 11 days.
He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Lucille (Pummill) Orchard; two daughters, Candra (Dan) Smith of Eminence, MO, and Sheri (Steve) Sloan of Mountain Grove, MO; three grandsons, Eric (Kayla) Smith of Summersville, MO, Mike (Holly) Smith of Birch Tree, MO, and Anthony (Stacey) Withers of Buffalo, MO; four great-grandchildren, Weston Smith, Morgan Smith, Dani Smith, and Ayden Withers; a brother, Richard (Juanita) Orchard; and a nephew Greg (Sandy) Orchard of Hillsboro, MO.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Woodrow and Velma, and a nephew, Ron Orchard.
He began his teaching/coaching career in 1955 at Flatwoods, a one-room country school near Ink, Missouri. He also taught at Eminence High School, Birch Tree High School, and Timber and retired from Mountain View Liberty in 1985. He also served as Shannon County Public Administer for 18 years.
He and Lucille lived in the Delaware Community for 57 years raising Registered Polled Hereford Cattle, hogs, and coon dogs.
His greatest joy was spending time with his three grandsons and later his great-grandchildren.
He was always in the stands cheering them on at ballgames and watching them participate in other school activities.
Special thanks to the endless, amazing people that became his friends in Bluegrass and who supported him throughout the years. He played and was supported on many stages from coast to coast with people such as Lil Roy Lewis and the Lewis family to the home crowds of the Current River Opry and Summersville VFW Hall. Every person was special in his heart, and he thoroughly enjoyed “the great, loyal fans and friendships” he met along the way. Thanks for all the cherished, precious memories!
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri, with Todd Richardson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in New Eminence Cemetery, Eminence. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
