James Edward Dennis Jr., 79, of Osceola, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on October 2, 2025.
James was born on February 24, 1946, in Slater, Missouri, to James Edward Dennis and Naomi Inez Fitzgerald Dennis. He was raised and educated in Slater, MO, where he built lifelong friendships.
In his early years, James married JoAnn Narron of Miami Mo., and together they welcomed a son, James Edward Dennis II, born on September 14, 1970.
In 1994 James married Karen Kennon from Marshall, Mo. The two shared 31 years of marriage at the time of his passing.
In 2000, James and Karen moved to St. Louis, where they both worked until retiring in 2012. After retirement, they began what they sometimes called their “side gig” in child care. James quickly discovered a gift for connecting and caring for children, and during those six years, he formed deep, lasting bonds with many of the children—relationships he cherished for the rest of his life.
James ended up with many grandchildren and took joy in being part of their lives—attending many Christmas programs, concerts, graduations of all kinds, confirmations, baptisms, and ballgames.
A lifelong St Louis Cardinals baseball fan, James loved listening to games on the radio and attending at both the old and new stadiums in St. Louis to cheer on his team.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Osceola, Missouri at the River’s Crossing Life Center (5215 Business Hwy 13 NE) on October 25th from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Please join us in sharing stories, food and memories of Jim’s life well lived
