James L. Bryan, born Nov. 9, 1921, in Seymour, to James B. and Opal Bryan, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, at the age of 83, after a lengthy illness.
James attended Seymour and Ava schools and the School of the Ozarks, Point Lookout. He married Mabel “Mabeline” Nance and they had one son, James A. Bryan.
Prior to World War II, James served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and during World War II he served in the United States Army and received the Purple Heart.
Together, James and Mabel owned and operated grocery stores in Longrun, McClurg and Norwood. They also owned and operated motel and restaurant businesses, apartments and rental houses in and about Springfield, Seymour, Branson and Forsyth. James drove for Associated Transport in Liberty, Mo., at one time.
James was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Harlan Bryan.
James is survived by his wife, Mabel and their son, Jim and his wife, Susan, of Ozark. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Curt Bryan and his wife, Karen, of Seattle, Wash., and Julie Bryan Wise and her husband, Garnett, of Ft. Smith, Ark.; five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by many friends and family members.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 10, in the Thieme-Shadel-Hicks Funeral Service at Rivermonte Chapel, Springfield, with interment following in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.
A memorial has been established in Mr. Bryan’s memory with the American Heart Association, 2446 E. Madrid, Springfield, Missouri 65804.
