James Edwin Mintun was called home on April 12, 2017 at Clinton Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. He was 85 years of age.  The family will receive friends from 10:00-10:30 AM Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel.  Graveside services will follow at 11:00 AM in Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, Missouri.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the VFW Post #1894 and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com .

James was born in Clinton, Missouri on June 1, 1931.  He was the son of Homer Lyman Mintun and Josephine Francis (Gunn) Mintun, who preceded him in death.  He was also the baby of a family of nine and always spoke of the love he had for his many brothers and sisters.

Hard work, and his faith in Jesus Christ, shaped James from a young age.  He was always finding odd jobs as a young man to help support his family.  His mother was a devout woman and raised him to find strength in Christ and a love for the lessons found in scripture.  Despite hardships as a youth, during a depression and world war, James found comfort in his faith.

While in high school, James met his future wife, and soulmate, Donna Joyce Mintun.  They were married August 8, 1951 and began a life together that lasted 64 years until Donna's death in 2015.  The Lord blessed them with two daughters, Jeanne Gale Mintun and Gloria Sue (Mintun) Miller, whom James adored.

When James received the call to serve his country in the Korean Conflict he went without hesitation.  He served in the Army in a field artillery unit.  For two years he faithfully wrote his wife and couldn't wait to return home to his family.  Though proud to serve, his family was his greatest love and source of joy.

Holding a few jobs upon returning home, James found his career at Osage Valley Electric Coop.  Working as a lineman, James met lifelong friends and was proud to have been part of the coop as it expanded and began to offer electricity to Henry, and surrounding county residents.  James spent almost 40 years with Osage Valley holding the job of Line Superintendent for the last few years before retirement.

The church was always important to James and he served as a deacon at The First Baptist Church for many years as well.  While his children were growing, James also was part of the Royal Ambassador meetings for young men in the church.  He felt blessed to have the ability to help youth in the church and bring them closer to their faith.

A fun loving man, James enjoyed bowling with his friends on a league and maintained a very respectable average.  He took his sport seriously and even taught his granddaughter and signed her up for a youth bowling league as well.  Whatever James set out to do he wanted to make sure he put his effort into the task.

Gardening was one of the many things James enjoyed.  Every year he would bring in tomatoes, green beans, and corn from the farm to share with family and friends.  During the summer he made sure his neighbors had tomatoes and would bring five gallon buckets full to some doorsteps.  He ws always generous and tomatoes were his favorite to grow.

Raising cattle beame a great joy for James as well.  James was always so conscientious about his cattle and especially when they were ready to have their calves.  Working out in the pastures was something he considered fun and relaxing.  He found success in this endeavor and always had a respectable reputation within the community.  He always loved to tell stories at the coffee shop about his farming or cattle, as well.

One hobby that James and his wife enjoyed together was refinishing old furniture and woodworking.  James and Donna worked on many projects together such as refinishing old picture frames, couches, and chairs.  On weekends, James was found in his garage cutting out patterns for garden ornaments or even bigger projects such as child sized picnic tables.

Despite a decline in health after his retirement, James kept a positive attitude and maintained his faith in Christ.  His family remained his source of happiness especially his great grand-children.  He adored the little ones and couldn't wait to see them or hear stories about what they had been involved in daily.  In return the great-grandchildren affectionately called him "Boom Paw", and adored him, as well.

Preceding James in death were his parents, Homer and Josephine Mintun, wife Donna Mintun, daughter Jeanne Gale Mintun, brothers Hugh, Tom, Joseph, Jean, and Charles, sisters Mary, Geraldine, and Josephine.  He is survived by his daughter Gloria Miller of Clinton,Missouri, granddaughter Melissa Verhalen and husband Brandon of Clinton, four great-grandchildren, Claire Donaldson, Joseph Donaldson, Nicholas Donaldson, and Hannah Verhalen of Clinton, Missouri, niece Peggy Arthur and husband Ron of Clinton, Missouri, Mark Mintun and wife Mary of Chesterfield, Missouri and many more nieces and nephews.

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