James Lee Singleton, 81 of Columbia, died Thursday, December 24, 2020 at home.

There will be a private family service held at a later date.

James was born February 14, 1939 in Dyess, AR the son of James Vernon Singleton and Glenna Gamel Singleton Feuers.

James married his high school sweetheart, Mary Kathleen on October 8, 1960 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Slater, MO.

Along with his wife Kathy, James is survived by his daughters Susan Singleton-Law husband Craig, of Colorado Springs, CO, Cindy Laffey and husband Kevin of Stilwell, KS, Cheryl Kroll and husband Dan of Shawnee, KS, grandchildren Cole Hanna of Clarksville, TN, Brooke Hanna of Stilwell, KS, Katie Donell of Gardner, KS, Lane Laffey of Olathe, KS, Evan Kroll of Kansas City, MO, and stepbrother Danny Feuers of Corvallis, MT.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jo Anne Finneran.

James attended and graduated from Slater High School in 1957.  He went on to have a long career managing grocery stores including Safeway and Nowell's grocery located throughout Missouri in Fulton, Marshall and Columbia.  His strong management style had a positive impact on many future leaders, businesspersons and entrepreneurs before his retirement in 1997.

James had a passion for fast cars and enjoyed his Corvettes along with his favorite Shelby GT 500 signed by Carroll Shelby.  He also enjoyed collecting art, refurbished John Deer Tractors,  Military and Fighter Jet Aircraft model planes, Lionel train sets and engines,  and St. Louis Cardinal Bobble Heads.

James loved the mountains and journeyed out west to Colorado every year.

Memorial donations are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building and Maintenance Fund and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.