James H. Stiles

James H. Stiles passed away on June 2, 2026. He was born to Cecil and Lula Stiles on Aug. 6, 1934. He was the third of six sons. 

He graduated from Everton High School where he participated in sports. He was a Master Mason for over 60 years, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner and was a member of Unity of Springfield Church.

He received his degree in chemistry at Drury University and worked for Syntex for 37 years, retiring with honors, receiving international technology awards for his work in research and development. He had articles published in the chemical engineering and chemical processing magazines.

His community service began at Sherwood Elementary as the “adopt a school” coordinator, then tutoring at Hickory Hills Elementary, and York School. He also delivered meals on wheels until his eyesight no longer allowed him to see house numbers. 

He had many sorrowful moments in is life, with the death of his first wife, Dee, daughter, Debbie, son Jimi, and second wife, Marjory; brothers, Tom, Jack, Bill and Bob.

He is survived by his wife, Gee, whom he met while running, his son Blaine and his wife, Julie; brother George (Nancy); sister-in-law, Leona; grandchildren; 8 step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; a step-son, Steven Schultz (Laura), 3 step-daughters, Teresa (Ronnie) Byrd, Suzanne Bloomfield, and Brenda (RC) Cushing.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 12, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East.  Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 13, at the funeral home with Pastor Sue Baggett-Day officiating. Burial will follow at Ash Grove Cemetery, Ash Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging or Lost & Found; or be kind, go and make memories with your family and friends as memories are forever, flowers are not. 

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.