James Earl Staggs was born July 17, 1932, in Rector, Arkansas, to Jay and Mirtie (Gibson) Staggs. He departed this life on May 4, 2023, at West Vue Nursing Center in West Plains, Missouri.
James was united in marriage to Glenda Francis Phillips on September 15, 1951, in Rector, Arkansas and to this union six children were born.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Mirtie; siblings, Holly, Doris, Jay, Sybil, Herman, John, Toni, and Herbert; his wife, Glenda; children, Richard, Ramona, Robert, Deborah, and Dennis.
Survivors include his son, Troy; grandchildren, Michelle Adams, Christopher Hodo, Casey (Michelle) Parker, Wesley (Ashley) Staggs, Crystal (Jeremy) Box, Brittany (Jordon) Staggs-Collins, Sarah Staggs, Cody Shilling, and Haley Staggs; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
James was a good man. He had a sparkle in his eyes when he smiled at you and even at 90, a spirit that shone through. He was a loving husband and father that worked hard most of his life raising six kids. He loved watching the Saint Louis Cardinals almost as much as discussing how to throw a screwball. He loved a good cup of coffee, Honey Buns, and of course Skoal Chewing tobacco. He is well remembered for walking his dog, Duke, enjoying the company of his family and friends and saying “keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart”, he always did.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Center Hill Cemetery, Doniphan, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
