James Sumner

James Preston Sumner, 83, of Sedalia, MO, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Rest Haven Convalescent Home in Sedalia. He was born on September 16, 1933 in Lebanon, MO, a son of Adam R. and Eva Katherine Elizabeth (James) Sumner, who preceded him in death.

On September 3, 1954 in Lebanon, MO he was united in marriage to Norma S. Long, who resides of the home.

James grew up in Lebanon, MO on the family farm and attended Lebanon High School and later Draughon's Business College.

He served his country honorably in the US Army and served stateside from 1955 to 1957. He worked as a district manager for Pyramid Life Insurance Company for 45 years and then ran his own insurance agency until his retirement.

He was quite a salesman with a very friendly manner and a wealth of stories to tell. He loved to travel and was constantly planning "the next trip".

He was a founding member of Maplewood Church where he attended and served faithfully in many capacities, touching many lives.

Family called him Sonny and to friends he was JP. All were a very important part of his life and he loved to open his home to all.

In addition to his wife Norma, he is also survived by two sons, Steve Sumner and wife Anita, Keith Sumner and wife Sherry all of Sedalia; six grandsons, Gabe and Crystal, Joshua, Caleb and Casey, Luke and Sarah, Jonathan and Andrea, Jordan and Casey Sumner; ten great grandchildren, Noah, Matthew, Abigail, Madeline, Julia, Molly, Kinley, Mia, Ellie, and Rocky.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017 at Maplewood Church, 25396 State Highway O, Sedalia, with Dr. Eddie Brown officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Church.

Burial will be at Salem Cemetery, 3195 Salem Rd, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Gabe Sumner, Joshua Sumner, Caleb Sumner, Luke Sumner, Jonathan Sumner, Jordan Sumner and grandson by choice, Kevin White.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Maplewood Church for the Educational Building Fund.