James Ray Jeffries, 75, of Richmond, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at his home.

James was born on February 19, 1948, in Camden, the son of James William Dee and Helen Elizabeth (Karl) Jeffries.  He was first united in marriage to Lana Lee Gott of Richmond in 1966; they later divorced.  He was later united in marriage to Mary Louise Trahern of Richmond in 1976; they later divorced.

Survivors include: son, Darrell (Cheryl) Jeffries of Higginsville; daughter, Jennifer (Darrin) Smith of Orrick; nine grandchildren: Erin (Kyle) Morrison, Natalie (Josh) James, Brittany Jeffries (Jeyden Johnson), Tyson Jeffries, Thales Lathrop, Kyra Lathrop, Matthew Smith, Elijah Smith, and Paige Smith; three great-grandchildren: Aria, Emery, and Lillian Morrison, and one on-the-way; and two sisters, Doris Ann Williams of Richmond and Linda Jane Mullikin of Richmond; several nieces, nephews, special friends, and other extended family members also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers-in-law, Jim Mullikin and Deon Williams.

James was reared and educated in the area of his birth and attended school first in Richmond, then Millville, and graduated from Richmond High School in the class of 1966.  After high school, he began his career as an auto worker for General Motors.  In 1969, he was drafted into the United States Army, during Vietnam, and served his country proudly as a heavy machine operator.  Upon being honorably discharged, after 18 months of service, he returned to the area of his birth and resumed his career with General Motors.  While at General Motors, he worked at the Leeds Plant in Leeds, MO.  He also worked for three and a half years at General Motors in Oklahoma City, OK, then finished his career at the Kansas City Plant in Kansas City, KS.  After retiring, he worked for Bill and Phyllis Jeffries for their business Superior Steam Cleaning and traveled to several states, where he was in charge of cleaning the HVAC systems at Walmart.  James was a big sports fan and held season tickets for the Royals and Chiefs for years.  He was a proud member of Richmond Masonic Lodge #57, where he was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.  He was also a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the funeral home.  Masonic services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville.  Please remember to share your memories of James with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.