Joseph Wesley Karnes of St. James passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016 at his home.  He was 54 years old.

Joe, the son of Larry Roy and Mary Lea (Matlock) Karnes, was born December 11, 1962 in Kansas City, MO.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Lea of St. James; his companion, Sharon Steelman; three daughters:  Jessica Hussey and husband, Matthew of Oswego, KS; Kera Nielson and husband, Christopher of Barnard, MO and Kaylin Karnes of St. James, MO; two brothers:   Matthew Karnes and wife, Jamie of Winfield, MO and Larry Roy Karnes and wife, Lisa of St. James, MO; four sisters:  Jana McCoy and husband, Felix of Arlington, TX; Mary Karnes and David Bell of St. James, MO; Tina Bullock and husband, Russ of St. James, MO; April Karnes of Mo.; grandmother, Lorraine Moreland of St. James, MO; four grandchildren:  Connor, Whitney, Colton, and Wade; one grandchild to be born in July; his best friend and fishing buddy, James Johnson and a host of family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Larry Roy Karnes Sr. on February 10, 2006.

Joe was a loving father, companion and friend.  His daughters held a very special place in his heart.  He added fun and laughter to any gathering of friends; making others laugh came very natural to him.   His family and friends were constantly on the recieving end of his numerous pranks and practical jokes.  He and James spent many hours fishing at Little Prairie Lake, Lake of the Ozarks and the area rivers.  He also enjoyed hunting, cooking and collecting coins.  He was a jack of all trades during his working years, but most of his time was spent in the carpentry and logging business.

Vistation will be 6-8 PM Thursday, December 15, 2016 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, December 16, 2016 at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in St. James, MO with the Rev. Mick Thrasher officiating.  Pallbearers will be family and friends.  Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Jones Funeral Home.

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