Jim West

James Leroy West, Sr. of Farmington, MO passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2022. He was born on January 17, 1937 in Ironton, MO to Carl Ray and Ruby Ethel (Bowling) West. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Dorothy Lorraine (Wilbur) Hite, Bessie Pauline (Paul) Little and Patsy Louise (Jimmy) Moore.

He was the doting husband of Opal Mae West for 65 years; devoted father of Sheryl Sue (Douglas) Runge and James Leroy, Jr (Lisa) West; beloved and proud grandfather of Doug aka DJ (Heather) Runge, Lauren (Chris) Tomlin, Danielle West, Abigael (Nicholas) Eastwood, and Emma West; bonus grandpa to Marc Runge and Tracy Herwig; treasured great-grandfather of Nathan, Riley, Mikey, Danny, Natalie, and Mary Kate; dear brother of Howard (Angie) West. He was a loving uncle, cousin, and friend to countless others.

Big Jim was a stranger to none and a friend to all. He was a very proud Marine and attributed his time in the service to transitioning him into the respectable gentleman everyone knew. The kind heart and compassionate personality everyone loved he credited to his relationship with the love of his life, Opal Mae. He had a difficult childhood, but a very prosperous life. Jim was the definition of a self-made man, with multiple successful entrepreneurial endeavors throughout his life; most notably, the Gemini Rollerama and West Limestone Quarry, which he owned and operated with his son Jim. He loved being involved in his Church and meeting up with his buddies at McDonalds at 5 am to discuss world events and politics. He was a lover of classic cars and the great outdoors. Above all else, he loved to brag about his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday, December 12, 2022 from 10 am to 11:30 am at the C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Taylor Chapel in Farmington.  Funeral service will be held at 11:30 am with Rev. Greg Robinson officiating.  Interment will follow at the Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be directed to American Lung Association.