James E. Cross,
James E. Cross, 76, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the Missouri Veterans Home - Saint James.
James Earl Cross was born June 10, 1947, to William and Doris (Sherrill) Cross in Saint Louis, Missouri. He grew up and attended school within the Saint Louis area, later becoming a proud graduate of East Saint Louis High School, class of 1967.
Soon after high school, Jim was drafted into the United States Army, but decided to proudly serve as a Marine from 1967 to his honorable discharge in 1969. Jim defended our freedom in Vietnam while on active duty. His devotion to the United States then led him to serve a 20+ career within the Army National Guard, retiring in 1998. Jim’s service to our nation was also recognized while attending an Honor Guard flight in 2017.
After Jim returned home from Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Neoma Parker. They were soon united in marriage on August 8, 1970. Together they were blessed with three children: James, Misty and Amanda. After the birth of their first-born son, they relocated back to Sullivan, Missouri to raise their growing family.
Jim embarked on a successful career in banking holding various positions, starting as a teller to being promoted to supervising positions in proof and transit and the Vice President of Couriers. Jim was a long-term employee of Mercantile Bank where he was employed for over 25 years and most recently UMB Bank where he worked for over 15+ years until his retirement in 2016.
Outside of his professional career, Jim was a devoted family man. Jim and Neoma loved to travel with their young family, especially to Branson, Silver Dollar City, Florida and the Lake of the Ozarks. Jim was very hardworking, intelligent and admired for being a jack of all trades. Outside of his banking hours, he enjoyed completing honey do lists for Neoma and surprising her with thoughtful, spontaneous gifts of flowers and jewelry.
As grandparents, Jim and Neoma loved to take their grandkids on special trips with them. He was an avid movie watcher and had an impressive collection of films, enjoyed fishing at Meramec Springs and gathering together as a family for a game of cards.
Jim showcased his true Christian values through his selfless spirit, kindness and love. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by those fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by his three loving children: Jim Cross and wife Carolyn of Sullivan, MO, Misty Paul and significant other, Ian Montgomery of Bourbon, MO and Amanda Fruewirth and husband Eric of Sullivan, MO; seven grandchildren: Benjamin Cross and fiance MacKenzie DiMarco of Columbus, OH, Andrew Cross of Springfield, MO, Olivia Paul and significant other Danny Wiseman of Rolla, Missouri, John Paul of Bourbon, MO, Sierra, Tucker and Maggie Fruewrith of Sullivan, MO; two sisters, Dolly Douglas of PA and Jayme Weiduwilt and husband Jim of Troy, IL; two brothers-in-law, Bill Parker and Matt Roller; other relatives and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Neoma Parker; his parents, William and Doris; and a sister in infancy, Sonya; a sister-in-law, Leona Roller nee Parker.
Funeral Service will be 12 PM, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Chester Lahmann officiating. Interment will follow at the New Cave Spring Cemetery in Sullivan with full military honors.
Visitation will be 10 AM - 12 PM, Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Honor Flight Network or the Missouri Veterans Home of Saint James.
Friends may send their online condolences to Jim’s family at www.eatonfuneralhomel.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.