James Benton Barker

James “J.B.” Benton Barker, 86, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Friday, August 9, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical in Blue Springs, Missouri. 

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the funeral home. Inurnment with military honors will follow at Odessa Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church or Paradise Outfitters Ministries. Memories of James and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. 

James was born July 12, 1938, in Odessa, MO to Robert Benton and Georgia (Peal) Barker. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1957. Having proudly served his nation in the United States Army, James later transitioned to a successful career in welding, spanning over 37 years at Allis Chalmers. On September 20, 1964, James was united in marriage to Doris Maxine (Smith) Barker in Odessa, MO. She preceded him in death on August 6, 2014. Devoted to his faith, James was a member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church. James was previously a member of Knights of Pythias. Along with spending time with family, James cherished spending time outdoors, engaging in activities such as coon hunting and fishing in his early years. 

James is survived by four children, Lennord “Lenny” (Vonnie) Buis of Springfield, MO, Jerry (Janet) Buis of Odessa, MO, Darlene Hall of Odessa, MO, Charlene Merriam of Marshall, MO; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Larry (Dorothy) Barker and Garry (Mary) Barker; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Barker and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

Along with both parents and loving wife, James was preceded in death by one child, James Barker; two grandchildren, Kelsie Barker and Jerrica Buis; one brother, Ronnie Barker; a sister, Darlene Simmons; three half-sisters, Pat Wahn, Mary Lou Vetter, and Nina Jones; two half-brothers, Vernon Barker and Kenneth Barker.