James McBee Obituary

James William "Jim" McBee, age 76, passed on July 13, 2024, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his children, grandchildren and son-in-law by his side. Jim was born on May 8, 1948, in Neosho, Missouri, and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Neosho High School, class of 1966. On February 1, 1968, he entered the U.S. Army, served during the Vietnam era, and was honorably discharged on January 22, 1971.
Following his military service, Jim returned to school and graduated from Missouri Southern State College (now Missouri Southern State University) with a bachelor's degree in science. He worked for Missouri American Water for many years, serving in numerous departments until his retirement. Jim never met a stranger and was a supportive father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren, always attending and encouraging their sporting and other activities.
Jim, along with Dean Keeling and Pat Wicks, was instrumental in forming the city ball leagues for many years. He was a proud supporter of the Neosho Public Schools, especially serving as a mentor at the alternative school and supporting the athletic programs. Jim enjoyed gardening, particularly growing peppers, and fishing. He was also an avid chess player, enjoying matches with people from around the world.
Jim had served as president of the Waterworks Union in Joplin and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Neosho. On August 20, 1971, in Neosho, Jim married Janice (Link), who preceded him in death on April 24, 1995.
Jim is survived by two children, Amber Coker and her husband Jeremy of Grove, Oklahoma, and Evan McBee, of Joplin, Missouri; five grandchildren, Tyler Coker and his wife Mahala, Bailey Burnett and her husband Brock, Lacey Coker, Chloe McBee, and Mason McBee; and his twin sister, Jackie McBee of Spurgeon, Missouri. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his mother, Garnett McBee.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Interment will follow in the Neosho IOOF Cemetery, with pallbearers Richie Butler, Nathan Wicks, Tyler Coker, Brock Burnett, Jake Hughes, and Josh Hughes. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 until service time.
Contributions in honor of Jim may be made to the Neosho Schools Charitable Foundation, Alternative School in honor of Jim McBee.
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