Byland James, age 75, Ravenwood, Missouri, died Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his home in Ravenwood.
Byland was born April 21, 1950, on the family farm South of Grant City. He was the son of the late W. Alton and Ellen J. James.
Byland was united in marriage to Peggy Lea (Graham) on June 29, 1969, in Stanberry, Missouri. To this union two children were born, Angie and Donnie.
Byland served in the Army National Guard. Byland had worked many jobs, as he was a jack of all trades. He worked for Montgomery Wards in Maryville, the city of Ravenwood as Municipal Works Director, as an over the road truck driver, did construction and plumbing, owned and operated BJ’s Body Shop where he restored 13 Volkswagen’s. Most recently, he had served as a Correctional Officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections in Maryville. Byland was a member of the Ravenwood Volunteer Fire Department and a First Responder for over 25 years.
Byland never knew a stranger. He always knew you when he saw you, and enjoyed visiting and catching up.
He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy (2016), his parents, 3 brothers Jimmy Dale, Duane (Comish), Calvin Dean James, two nephews Bobby James and Sean Powers.
His survivors include: Daughter Angie (Dan) Titus, Hopkins, Missouri, son Donnie (Heather) James, Clarksdale, Missouri, 4 grandchildren Nicholas James, Alicia Reeves, Dwight Titus and Chelsie Nottingham, 9 great grandchildren Conner, Corey, Amaya, Clayton, Kynlee, Kloie, Corbin, Olive and Harper, sisters Beverly Burton, Gentry, Missouri, Elaine (Carl) Owens, Grant City, Missouri, Thelma (Steve) Morris, LaVista, Nebraska, and sister-in-law Cathy James, Grant City, brothers Keith (Theresa) James, Arkoe, Missouri, Max James, St. Joseph, Missouri, Larry (Rachel) James, Cameron, Missouri, and a host of other friends and loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at 3 PM, Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, where the family will receive friends from 2-3 PM prior to the services. Burial will follow in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood, Missouri.
