James "Jim" Lee Friend, age 67, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away on January 10, 2025, at Ozark Community Hospital in Gravette, Arkansas.  He was born on June 8, 1957, at Ft. Crowder in Neosho, Missouri, to Delbert Lee Friend and Rosemary (Coulter) Austin. Jim graduated from Neosho High School in 1975.

Jim's life was one of hard work and dedication. Over the years, he worked at Granby Manufacturing, Yellow Freight, and the MFA Fertilizer Plant in Neosho, where he served as a Plant Manager. He also worked as a groundskeeper for Neosho Schools and was employed at the Neosho Wastewater Plant until his retirement in December 2023.

He was a longtime member of Hillcrest Church of Christ, where he enjoyed fellowship and community. Outside of work, Jim had many passions. He was an avid fly fisherman, a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed spending time working on his beloved old truck.

He is survived by his children, Rile (Kim) Friend of Lamar, Missouri, and Lafe Friend of Granby, Missouri; his mother, Rosemary Austin of Goodman, Missouri; his siblings, Marilyn (David) Leonard of Arizona, Cheryl Bond of Goodman, Missouri, Jonny Friend of Winfield, Kansas, and Mark (Mandy) Friend of Neosho, Missouri; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clyde (Kristi) Berner of Granby, Missouri, brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Twyla McInturff of Neosho, Missouri; and his beloved grandchildren, Ryder, Rex, Leilee, Paxyn, and Violet Friend.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Friend, his wife, Kathy Sue Friend, and his brother, Rick Friend.

A visitation will be held on January 17, 2025, at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Neosho, Missouri, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. Danny Boggs will officiate.