James "Ben" Hart, 89, of LA Russell, Mo departed this life on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Mercy McCune- Brooks Hospital in Carthage, Mo surrounded by his loving family. Ben entered this life on December 5, 1925 to the union of the late Soloman and Estella (Underwood) Hart in Denver, Co. He grew up in the Stott's City area and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. He proudly served in the United State Marines during WWII, returning home on February 1, 1946. He was wounded in action at Iwo Jima, Volcano, Islands. He received several medals and commendations, including the Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart. On July 21, 1946 he was united in marriage to Norma Louise Thornton at Columbus, Ks. Together they shared forty one years until her passing on March 14, 1988. He retired as a maintenance supervisor from Steadley's in Carthage, Mo after forty three years of faithful service. He was a member of the former Masonic lodge of Sarcoxie. He enjoyed fishing, Nascar races, as well as driving race cars. He loved his family, spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister; Christine Hart O'Brian. Ben is survived by his daughters; Jody Downey and husband Robert of Joplin, Mo and Karen White and husband Terry of LA Russell, Mo., six grandchildren; David Waggoner, Matthew Waggoner, Tyler Downey, Benjamin White, Andrew White and Trisha Weseloh and eight great-grandchildren as well as a host of other family and friends. Graveside services with full military honors for Mr. Hart are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Harvey Cemetery with grandsons Matthew Waggoner and David Waggoner officiating. Masonic rites with visitation to follow will be Friday, April 10 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The Patriot Guard Riders will be standing with flags. Those honoring his life as pallbearers are David Waggoner, Matthew Waggoner, Tyler Downey, Shane Weseloh, Benjamin White and Andrew White. 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, Sarcoxie.