James (Jim) Wesley Littell

James (Jim) Wesley Littell, son of Frank Madison and Mary Maxine Littell, was born Aug. 28, 1954, in Independence, Mo. He went all of his years in school in Osceola, Mo., until his graduation in 1972.

Jim loved growing up in Osceola where his parents owned Littell’s Market on the square. Jim loved his childhood in the grocery store and he always said, “We ate well." He loved giving people nicknames and he had one himself. Everyone called him “Round Boy." Junior Lyons named him that when he was about 10 years old and he had a round belly. In return, Jim called him “Big Mooch."

He had one brother Bart, who was 13 years older, and the two of them loved to spend time together. Jim was active in the Osceola community, driving the bus for church (because his Mom told him to), cruising the square, drinking beer at the roadside park, and playing on the High School football team his Senior year, which was the inaugural year of the Osceola football program. Jim loved football. He lived in the same house from his birth until he started college. He attended Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo., and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1976. Jim pledged a fraternity in college but was never active because he always wanted to go home to his family in Osceola on the weekends.

Jim never worked in his field of study as he always said he couldn’t stand to see animals hurting every day. He started his banking career immediately out of college working at the Osceola Bank and then Mountain Grove National Bank before becoming the Manager of the American Bank of Plattsburg in Trimble, Mo., in 1979. It was in Plattsburg that he married and had his daughter, Crystal Kay (Littell) Roberts. Shortly after, Jim transferred to Thornton Bank (Boatmen’s Bank) in Nevada, Mo. In 1985, his son Lucas (Luke) James Littell was born. Moving to Nevada, where Bart lived, was filled with family gatherings, laughter, good food, poker games and golf as many days as possible. Jim was an avid golfer, sports enthusiast and gambler, first with his brother Bart and later with his son Luke.

He continued to work in banking but for the last several years prior to retirement he managed a horse trailer company and an oil field before he went to work at 3M. He loved working in the stress-free environment for his last few working years as he visited his Mom twice every day and went to Springfield, Mo., regularly to spend time with his kids and grandchildren. He remained in Nevada until 2017 when he purchased a cabin on a mountain in Marble Falls, Ark.

“Oh my” …golfing, camping, traveling, shooting pool, going to casinos, watching sports on TV from his recliner, eating larapin’ food, cooking, attending concerts, helping friends in need, and taking care of dogs were some of his favorite pastimes. Jim had immense pride and love for his children, Crystal and Luke. He was always ready to brag on their newest adventures and accomplishments in their careers but his biggest pride was his grandchildren who proudly called him Papa. Jim loved to spend time with family and friends.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Crystal (Tobi) Roberts of Rogersville, Mo., and his son, Luke Littell of Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Elizabeth (Libby) Kay Reynolds and Jackson (Jack) James Littell; two bonus grandsons, Brady Cole Roberts and Colin Jacob Roberts; four nieces, Cindy (Jim) Burns of Nevada, Mo., Lana (Kevin) McCarthy of Hutchinson, Kan., Heather Stewart of Hutchinson, Kan., and Penny (Gene) Passehl of Richmond, Va.; six great-nieces and -nephews; 15 great-great-nieces and -nephews; his caretaker, Bonnie Lassen; cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Maxine Littell; his brother and sister-in-law, Bart and Helen Littell; and his great-nephew, Barton McCarthy.

Jim passed away after a courageous battle with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma on Thursday the July 8, 2021. He was a great son, brother, father, papa and uncle and will be dearly missed, but he is celebrating in Heaven with his family and friends.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 14, at Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel, in Osceola, Mo. Burial was in Newton Burial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Libby & Jack College Fund in care of the Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home.