Obituary lovingly provided by the family of James Story.....

James Orvel Story, age 85, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away March 8, 2025 after battling cancer. He was born June 24, 1939 in Neosho, Missouri, to Orvel Herman and Nina Anita (Graham) Story. He graduated from Neosho High School in 1957 where he met his wife Vada Sue Owens. They were married June 4, 1959.

For over 20 years, he worked at McGinty's Department Store. Then he and Sue owned Neosho News Stand. Following the News Stand, they established Story Bag Company. They also enjoyed attending and vending at antique shows.

He was a member of several community committees over the years. He enjoyed bowling with his friends Bill Martz, Hale McGinity and Fred Clark. He also enjoyed hunting with his son Tim and close family friend Denny Mayfield, as well as friends Gene Schwartz and Hale McGinty.

He is survived by his wife Vada Sue (Owens) Story, Daughter Margaret Christine (Kris) Drake of Webb City, son James Timothy (Tim) Story and wife Carrie of Neosho, grandchildren Heather Berner and husband Joe of Neosho, Stephanie McConnaughey and husband Shaun of Neosho, and Sonora Jones and husband Jordan of Webb City and best of all four great-grandchildren Mason and Hadley Berner and Abigail and Amelia McConnaughey all of Neosho.

Contributions may be made to: Wildcat Glades Nature Group, 201 W. Riviera Road, Joplin, Missouri 64804

Private family graveside will be held at a later date.