James Cecil Jennings of Success MO passed away March 31, 2025 surrounded in love by those closest to him. James was born July 20, 1941 in Rector MO, to Ellen Cox and Cecil Jennings as the baby of the family. He married his “little woman” Janice (Sherry) Norris May 28, 1966 they had one daughter, three grandsons and 6 great grandchildren.
James was known by many names through his life (Tiny, Moose, Sonny, Sarge, JC or just pa or grampy), but whichever name you knew him by you would know he was a big man who loved his family and would never turn down a chance to hunt or fish. He was also widely regarded as one of the strongest men anyone ever met and delighted in demonstrating feats of strength at every opportunity. He was particularly fond of arm wrestling and letting his opponent feel like he was making progress, only to then proceed to “check the time” on his wristwatch while he smoothly pinned the opponent.
He was a Vietnam era Army veteran (hence the Sarge nickname) and expert marksman and was stationed in Orleans France during the war and then later with his family in Berlin Germany. After leaving the military they moved to Success MO where he spent years as a school bus driver and working on small engines. He later worked civil service at Ft. Wood up until his retirement.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Dale Smith and Ethel (Smith) Glidwell and sister Betty (Jennings) Ortega. James is survived by his wife Janice (Sherry) of the home, sister Kathryn Crone of Willow Springs. daughter Shannon Jennings of Springfield MO, grandsons Cory Jennings and wife Trichelle of Marshfield MO and Harley and Riley Bell of Springfield MO and great grandchildren Weston and Brendon Parsons, Llogan, Abbygail, Sawyer and Keiran Jennings.
