John Bell James, 73 of Jefferson City, formerly of Centralia, passed away Tuesday February 3, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Family and friends are invited to John's life celebration at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home in Centralia.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the service on Wednesday at the Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at a later time.

John was born on September 5, 1952, in Mexico, Missouri the son of Clyde Henry and Katheryn Louise (Bell) James.

On June 12, 1971, John married his high school sweetheart Rhonda Jean Fair, and she survives.

Along with his wife, Rhonda, John is survived by his children, Ben James and wife Nicole of Centralia, Lisa Maloney and husband Shannon of Jefferson City, Lori Hopkins and husband Travis of Jefferson City; grandchildren Kyra Brooks and husband Nic of Centralia, Connor Maloney of Henley, Alayna Maloney and Mary Kate Maloney of Jefferson City; brother Clyde Henry James Jr. "Jack" and wife Anita of Troy and sister Sandra Kay Maseman and husband Bob of Mexico; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by an infant son, John Tyler James, his parents and an infant brother.

John attended Centralia Schools. He was a lifelong farmer, raising crops (using International Harvester and Allis Chalmers tractors of course) and hogs and bucket calves.  Following a lifesaving liver transplant in 1996, he especially enjoyed trips to the farm, being outdoors on his riding lawnmower and raising a small garden, woodworking, collecting miniature tractors and implements and spoiling his dogs Lucy and Lucky.

John loved his family immensely, truly enjoying all the time he spent with them, especially teasing the grandkids.

John was blessed and he and his family remain forever ever grateful to God and the anonymous donor for 29 ½ years of life post transplant! Memorial donations are suggested to the Midwest Transplant Network or the American Diabetes Association and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.