James E. Coonts
Ava, MO

James E. Coonts, 79 years, passed to heaven on September 2, 2011 at St.John's Regional Health Center, Springfield, MO from a long battle of cancer.

James was born December 18, 1931 in Douglas County, MO to Arthur and Carrie (Rhoades) Coonts.

James retired from working at Oscar Meyer Co. in Davenport, IA after 35 years. He & Elaine returned to his home in Ava in 1983.

On October 16, 1976 James and Elaine Fleming were united in marriage in Buffalo, IA. James was a Christian and attended the Gentry Church in Ava. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on his farm and spending time with his family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Lorrie, three brothers, Harley, Cecil and Russell Coonts, four sisters, Betty Critten, Mae Coonts, Vernice Dehaven and Edwina Schrock.


James is survived by his wife, Elaine Coonts, Ava, MO, seven children, Debbie Geeding, Kentucky, Pam Reed, South Carolina, Melissa Howell, Nixa, MO, Serena Merriman, Nixa, MO, Jim Coonts, Davenport, IA, Brian Brown, Washington State and Kevin Coonts, Davenport, IA, 15 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, three brothers, Paul Coonts, Wilder, ID, Junior Coonts, Buffalo, IA and Jackie Coonts, Norwood, MO, two sisters, Peggy Bell, Lanark, IL and LaVern Brown, Dover, DE, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.


Funeral services for James will be Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. in the Gentry Church, Ava, MO with burial in the Denney Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO. Officiating will be Pastor Riley Hall. Memorials may be made to Denney Cemetery, Neighbor Helping Neighbor, or American Cancer Society.