James Darrell Strain was born January 21, 1941 in Alton, MO to Wallace and Viola Strain, and died on November 28, 2024.
On July 25, 1959, Darrell was united in marriage to Esther L. Garrett and to this union 4 children were born. Debra, Terrie, Jeff, And Kristie. Darrell is survived by his children, Debra Cox of Harrison, Ar. Terrie Honeycutt and husband Jeff of Thayer, MO. Jeff Strain of Centerton, Ar. Kristie Thompson and husband Jim of Thomasville, MO. Six grandsons, Michael Bandy of West plains, MO. Adam Bandy and his wife Samantha of Alton, MO. Levi Schmidt of Alton, MO. Hunter Schmidt and wife Ashley of Alton, MO. Kalon Honeycutt and wife Allanah, US Air Force, Eric Honeycutt and wife Taylor of Alton, MO. Two granddaughters, Mckenzie and Maggie Cox of Harrison, Ar. 11 Great grand Children, two sisters Linda Caruthers and husband Mack of Joplin, MO. Judy Mills of Alton, MO. He is also survived by brother-in-law Dean Minich, and Sister-in-law Wanda Watson.
Darrell was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his parents his brother Dr. Phillip Strain, one granddaughter Alexandria Bandy, a brother-in-law Norman Mills and sisters in law Donna Strain and Janet Minich, brothers in law Carl Watson and Rusell Kallak and sister-in-law Norma Kallak.
Darrell taught vocational agriculture for 30 years and served in many leadership positions. Darrell was elected president of the Missouri Foxtrotting Horse Breeders association and served for 3 years; he was inducted into the Foxtrotting Horse Breeders Hall of Fame in 2010. He was awarded the honorary State FFA Degree and the Honorary American FFA Degree. But the greatest award came in 1973 when God called him to preach the gospel. Darrell accepted the call to preach in February of 1973 and has pastored 5 Freewill Baptist Churches in Oregon County. He has been at Bailey since July of 1995. His love for preaching and teaching the gospel was apparent to those who had the opportunity to hear him. His love for the lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God were motivating forces in his life. Darrell served his local church community in many leadership positions and served the Missouri State Freewill Baptist as a General Board Member and as a member of the executive Board. Darrell was a song writer and poet; he wrote and published four books, but most of all he identified as a preacher of the Word of God.
If you are saved you will see him again, if you are not saved this is the final goodbye.
When we’ve said the last good- byes
When we’ve wiped tears from our eyes!
Remember I’m not here in this body of clay.
I’ve moved to a new residence, that heavenly way
Jesus has paid my sin debt; he said he is the way
I now have a new body for my immortal soul.
Cry if you must, but be glad that I’m finally at home
Just make sure that heaven is your home!
