James Loren Etter, 79, of Sarcoxie, Missouri, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2019 at his daughter's home after a brief hospital visit.

James was born on September 3, 1939, in Monett, Missouri to the late Oscar and Martha (Douthitt) Etter. He proudly served in the United States Army, returning home in 1963. On January 13, 1968 he was united in marriage to Judy Ann VanAmber. Together they shared fifty-one years. After more than thirty one years of dedicated service he retired from BNSF Railroad. He was a member of the VFW post of Monett. He enjoyed working on the farm and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Martha Etter; first wife, Nora (May) Etter; and one sister, Millie (Etter) Dawson.

James is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Janie Wormington (Randy), Margaret Chappell (Tim), Theresa Ross (Darren), James Etter (Julie) and Doug Etter (Eija); thirteen grandchildren and their spouses; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Meadows and Lenna Garrett; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2019 at Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, with Pastor John Williams officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at VanBuren Cemetery in Wentworth. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are David Wormington, Mason Ross, Jared Ross, Aleksi Etter, Logan Chappell, Jacob Chappell and Seth Etter. Honorary pallbearers are Jarod Hohensee, Matt Walters, Alex Baldwin and Justin Chappell. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Children's Miracle Network in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website www.housh-goodwinfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home in Sarcoxie, Missouri.