James Dean Southard of St. James, MO passed away Monday September 16, 2019. He was 81 years of age.

He was born March 20, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of the late Fred Oscar and Erma A. Clark Southard.

Survivors are his son Dale Eugene Southard and his wife Julie of Rolla, MO Step-son: Frank Southard and his wife Nancy of St. James and son-in-law Bill Persicke of St James, MO, along with brothers: Glen Southard and Fred L. Southard both of Jefferson City, MO., sisters: Cleta Kittner of Jefferson City, MO and Sharon Brown of Kansas City, MO. He is further survived by 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Preceading him in death are his parents, daughter Rita Persicke, brothers: Harold Southard and Roy Arthur Southard along with an infant brother John Southard.

James was an over the road trucker who hauled cars for many years. He was a  veteran in the U.S. Army where he received a Good Conduct Medal and a Expert Badge (rifle).  He loved to visit with his friends and was know by many by a nickname "Squeaky".  He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

James Dean Southard will lie in state at 12 noon on Thursday September 19, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James.

Funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday Sepetmber 19, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with Ron Smith officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at the St James Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Casey Grisham, Zack Southard, Jeff Breen, Bill Persicke, Will Crostic and Mike Wilbers.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.