James Dean (Jimmy) Stoneking was born on September 8, 1945 in Shawnee Township, Henry County, Missouri. He was the sixth child of seven children born to Virgil Ward Stoneking and Charlotte Marguretta (Landes) Stoneking. He attended Shawnee Mound Grade School and Chilhowee High School and graduated on May 12, 1963. He accepted Jesus Christ into his life in May of 1953, and was a member of the Corinth Baptist Church, Chilhowee, Missouri. He died May 7, 2014 at the age of 68 years, 7 months and 29 days at the NorthCare Hospice and Palliative Care House located in North Kansas City, Missouri.

Jimmy became a Catholic upon his marriage to Ofelia Huerta on December 12, 1969. To this union two daughters were born: Sheila Rae and Leanne Michelle.

A third daughter, Rosie Margretta, was born to Rebecca Nieto and Jimmy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Ward Stoneking, mother, Marguretta Stoneking and a sister, Katherine Charlene Hutson.

Surviving are his children: Sheila Rae Stoneking, Leanne Michelle Stoneking and Rosie Margretta Stoneking, and two grandsons, Shey Michael Stoneking-Owens and Tristan Parker Stoneking. Also surviving him are three brothers, William J. Stoneking and wife Sandy, Kenneth W. Stoneking and wife Barbara, and Dennis D. Stoneking and wife Wanda, and sisters, Margie P. Albin and husband John, and Carolyn S. Varner and husband Don, and brother-in-law James Hutson along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Jimmy worked for Hallmark Cards after high school and on July 8, 1965, he and a close friend, Tom Davis entered the U.S. Army together. While in the Army, Jimmy received many awards including 2 bronze stars. He was chosen to be an Honor Guard, and guarded President John F. Kennedy, and President Lyndon B. Johnson. He also served as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during this time, standing guard up to 6 hours at salute attention. Jimmy then went to Vietnam as a Ranger. Only 5 of his assigned troop came home with him. On July 5, 1968 he received an Honorable Discharge.

Looking for business success, Jimmy went to California looking for work. He found a job at Pep Boys and worked there for 32 years. He advanced up the ranks and eventually became the District Manager over 14 stores. During this time he met and made 2 good friends, Larry Johnson, and his future brother-in-law, Chuck Carter. Until his death, Tom Davis, Chuck Carter and Larry Johnson remained friends with Jim.

Family was important to Jimmy. He enjoyed seeing his daughters participate in soccer, FFA, horseback riding, swimming and many different activities. He also had two nephews in California, Charles Carter and Michael Carter that he became a role model for. They thought of him as you would a grandfather.

Jimmy returned to Missouri in 2001 and built his home in 2002. He never forgot his roots and always wanted to return here. He was an avid coyote hunter and enjoyed doing this with his brothers and friends. He was also very patriotic, putting up a flag pole and flying his flag every day. All his neighbors looked for that flag as they come into Chilhowee.

Jimmy will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Military honors will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton, Missouri. The family will receive friends following the honors ceremony until 9:00 P.M. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rosie Stoneking Education Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Services have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.