James O’Neal III
James “Bubba” Robert O’Neal III, 39, of Bourbon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2021 at Mercy Hospital – Saint Louis.
James was born on April 28, 1982 in Sullivan, Missouri, to James and Peggy (McGraw) O’Neal. He grew up and attended school in Bourbon and soon went to work for several different places in the area, including Paramount and Industrial Wire. James even went to work for Applebee’s and Shoney’s as a cook.
James recently met the love of his life, Kayla. Together they enjoyed listening to music, especially Mushroom Head, Machine Head and Tool. They also treasured spending time together spinning poi.
Bubba was a jokester from the time that he could talk. He was also a natural born genius and a jack of all trades who could fix absolutely anything. He was a hard worker and very devoted to his job at Aerofil, where he worked for the last 13 years of his life.
James was enlisted as an organ donor, and through his passing four lives were saved. The rest of his organs have been donated to science.
Bubba was one of a kind and an old soul who was wise beyond his years. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many.
James is survived by his parents, James and Peggy, of Bourbon, MO; his soulmate, Kayla Ahner, and her three sons, KJ, Devon and Damion of Cuba, MO; three sisters: Jamie O’Neal and fiancé, Harold Wilkerson, of Bourbon, MO, Amy Edwards of Union, MO, and Mandy O’Neal and fiancé, Vance Hill, of Cuba, MO; six nephews: Brody, Dylan, Connor, Johnny, Nolan & Logan; two nieces, Genesis and Gracie; one great-nephew, Julian; many uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Bessie O’Neal; and his maternal grandparents, Bill and Girlie McGraw.
A Celebration of Life Gathering was held Saturday, August 28, 2021 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Jim and Peggy’s house, located at 100 Bechter Road, Bourbon, MO 65441.
Online condolences may be shared with James’ family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.