James L. Ransom

Ret. Sgt. Major - James Luther Ransom of Leasburg, Missouri was born on Friday, May 9, 1930, in Leasburg, Missouri to the union of Emory Jackson "Jack" and Lillie Elena(nee Christopher) Ransom. He left from this life on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri at the age of 91 years, 11 months and 8 days.

Jim was united in marriage to Imo Jeanette Phillips on June 3, 1951, in Piggott, Arkansas. To this union five children were born, James, Raymond, Debra, Richard and Roger.

Jim honorably retired from the United States Army as a Sgt. Major. He served in the military from
1951-1978. First, in the Naval Reserve then in the Army, specializing in Explosive Ordinance Disposal Attachment. After returning to the states, he worked for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Dept. and later would own and operate Ransom Heating & Air in Leasburg, Mo.

Jim served in both Korea and Vietnam. He was stationed in numerous States, Europe and many other countries. He served, and protected five Presidents, numerous Dignitaries (both in the US and other countries), including the Queen of England.

Jim received the following medals: National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster)
EOD Badge, Master EOD Badge, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Badge. Republic of Vietnam Explosive Ordinance Badge, Supv EOD Badge, Supervisory Explosive Ordinance Disposal Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Meritorious Unit Commendation Army, Meritorious Unit Commendation Navy, 7 Good Conduct Medals, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars. Jim's primary Specialty was Exp Ord Disp, and Incendiaries Foreman and Ammo Foreman.

He was a longtime devoted member of the Crossroads Baptist Church in Leasburg, Bourbon A.L. Post #81 and he was a charter member of the Meramec Valley DAV Chapter #65. In his spare time, he enjoyed camping, traveling, hunting turkey and deer, making jewelry and wind chimes.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Emory “Jack” and Lillie (Christopher) Ransom; two wives Imo (Phillips) Ransom and Betty (McWhorter) Ransom; one son Richard “Rick” Ransom; one daughter-in-law Barbara Ransom; six siblings Dorothy and husband Charles Weber, Delmar and wife Opal Ransom, Ellen and husband Ford Maness, Emery “Jack” and wife Norma Ransom, J. Raymond and Kenneth Ransom.

Those who are left to treasure his memory and to continue his legacy are his wife Kimberly (Chandler) Ransom of Leasburg; four children James Robert and wife Sonja Ransom of Vancouver, Washington, Raymond “Neal” Ransom of Cuba, Debra Jeanette Ransom of Leasburg, Roger Matthew Ransom of Leasburg; three step-children Megan and husband Josh Gargus of Centralia, Joshua and wife Lacey Carl of Rolla, Lindsey Carl and significant other Doug Thomas of Sullivan; one sister Gladys “Sally” and husband August Hartung of Leasburg; two foster siblings Linda Bryan of Leasburg and Joy Friedman; five grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 25, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home 904 W. Washington St. Cuba, Missouri.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 1:00 p.m. at Mizell Funeral Home with Pastor Lane Allen and Pastor Paul Dunn, officiating.

Interment with full military honors will follow at Crossroads Cemetery, Leasburg, Missouri.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to NATEODA - National Explosive Ordinance Disposal Association P.O. Box 1355 Niceville, Florida 32588 (www.nateoda.org) or Wounded Warriors Project
P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the Ransom family.