James "Jim" W. Earle, the son of Cecil and Hazel (Weaver) Earls, was born July 8, 1939 and passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017.

James and Anne (Rubinetz) were united in marriage on June 18, 1976. Together, James and Anne were privileged to share over 40 years of marriage.

James graduated from University of Florida with a PhD in business.  He then accepted his first teaching job with the University of Alaska, Anchorage.  James later moved to teach at Southwest Missouri State, and retired in 1988 from there.  James always enjoyed keeping busy by writing and researching.  He also enjoyed watching movies, from all genres, and listening to music, especially classical.  For James, all of these things were gratifying, but nothing compared to the time that he was able to spend with his family.

James is survived by his wife Anne, of the home; two daughters, Jennifer Maloney and husband Adam, of Springfield, Tiffany Wimberly and husband Jim, of AR; one son, Jonathan Earle and wife Sonja, of VA; 9 grandchildren; one sister, JoAnn Leggett and husband Harry, of AR; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, and many friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Don Earls.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove, MO.  Funeral Services will be Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 2:00PM, at Willard First Baptist Church, Willard, MO.  Burial will follow in Wesley Cemetery, Willard, MO.