James O. McReynolds, age 90 years, of Chilhowee, Missouri passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at the Country Club Care Center in Warrensburg, Missouri. A memorial visitation will be held Monday, September 14, 2015 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton from 6:00-8:00 PM. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Parkinson Foundation or Crossroads Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

James Oliver McReynolds, (J.O) was born in Chilhowee, Missouri on September 6th, 1925 the son of Guy and Iva Albin-McReynolds. J.O's boyhood was spent in Chilhowee, where he worked side by side with his father (Guy McReynolds) on the family farm and attended Chilhowee School. J.O was married to his wife, Cleo Collins-McReynolds for 65 wonderful years. During their marriage they had three daughters; Julie, Jane and Jacqueline.

During the Korean conflict, he joined the Army at the age of 17, before being drafted and served as a guard and cook. He was anxious to return home and completed his education while farming. He also started a construction business where he built and remolded many homes in the Clinton area. In the early 80s, J.O retired from construction and farmed full-time, raising cattle and row cropping. J.O's daughter, Jacqueline, and her husband Michael, as well two grandchildren, Blake and Christina Hoppe have continued his legacy of raising cattle and taking care of the 5th generation farm. J.O enjoyed his membership in the SAR along with restoring antique cars that he collected. As a child he had a love for horses and always kept a pony for his grandkids to enjoy on the farm.

He had a great love for his grandchildren and they will fondly remember his signature Key stripped overalls and long sleeved denim shirts. They will also cherish memories of pony cart rides with grandpa, as well as checkers games, card games and making sure everyone had a bowl of popcorn.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bobby Guy McReynolds. He is survived by three daughters, Julie and husband Dennis of Anderson, Indiana, Jane Rutter of Long Beach, California, and Jacqueline and husband Michael of Chilhowee, Missouri: as well as 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

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