James was born August 1, 1930 in Kansas City, MO to Paul and Leota. He retired after 44 years as a carman for BNSF. He was a Mason for 61 years and a member of North Kansas City Alpha Lodge 59.
James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Bales; children, James W. Bales Jr, Anne Bartholow, Dan Bales and Nancy Borah; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Visitation is 9:00-10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1 followed by service at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home. Interment at Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Cemetery. Condolences to mountmoriahterracepark.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home; 801 N.W. 108th St; Kansas City, MO. (816) 734-5500
