James Ernest Tatum

Visitation will be on Friday, June 15, 2018 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Jerry Coleman officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

James was born on April 16, 1936 in Lingle, Wyoming the son of Ernest and Opal (Mickelson) Tatum who preceded him in death. He was married on April 14, 1955 in Windsor, MO to Evelyn Reno. James retired from Consolidated Freightways after working for 25 years. He loved tractors and enjoyed farming and keeping active by walking, spending time with his grandkids. He was one of the kindest people, always thinking of others. He was very strong in his faith, and deeply in love with his wife with every ounce of his being.

Survivors include: his wife of 63 years, Evelyn Tatum of the home; four children, Linda Walcott (Scott) of Columbia, MO, Sharon Daly (David) of Columbia, MO, Rhonda Drake of Harrisburg, MO and Steven Tatum of Columbia, MO; three brothers, Jack Tatum (Helen), Melvin Tatum (Sharon) and Lee Tatum (Judy); eleven grandchildren, Amanda Casares, Ashley Stankevich, Stephanie Daly, Clarence Daly, Jennifer Frerking, Michelle Walcott, Jordan Drake, Payton Drake, Cameron Drake, Hayden Drake and Jet Tatum and six great-grandchildren, Dominique, Quentin, Kaitlyn, Morgan, Mitchell, Olivia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Bank of Boone County to the family of James Tatum, c/o Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO 65202.