James Edward Frost

James Edward Frost, age 86, died Friday, March 6, 2026, on the Frost family farm in Platte City, Missouri, surrounded by the love and laughter of his family.

Ed was born on February 24, 1940, in Springfield, Missouri, to Glenn and Nina Frost, the middle of three children. He graduated from Willard High School in 1958, where he was student council president and a standout basketball player. During these years, he met the love of his life, Judith Ann Wiley. The tale of how they met and when they had their first date varies depending on which one of them is telling story, though they did agree it was 70 years ago. Ed followed Judy to the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. After graduation in 1962, he and Judy married on November 18th, the opening weekend of quail season. He was 22 years old.

Ed was a cattleman at heart, having worked on farms since he was a young boy. At the age of 24, Ed was appointed Director of the Dairy Division of the Missouri Department of Agriculture during Governor Warren Hearnes' administration. In 1968, Ed purchased the Southwest Livestock Commission Company at the Springfield Union Stockyards, where he traded cattle for 20 years.

Ed and Judy raised four children in Springfield and were active in the community. Dad put countless miles on his old, blue truck racing between Rocky Top Farm or the Stockyards in order to attend various school and family events at Greenwood or on Walnut Street. He was also a storyteller; very few could hold an audience as well as he did, and his smile and laughter would light up a room. However, what we will remember is that he led and loved by example. We hold his kindness, his work ethic, his empathy, and his wry sense of humor forever in our hearts.

Nothing made him happier than a house full of family and friends. Ed and Judy were the consummate hosts. On March 6th, 2026, four generations of his family gathered in Platte City, where Ed and Judy spent the last 28 years. Dad played host one last time in the farmhouse he loved. We cried a little and laughed a lot. We played cards and told stories from the old days. We believe he could hear our laughter and chatter from the bedroom he shared with his wife of 64 years, and chose that moment to say goodbye.

Ed is survived by his wife, Judy; three daughters, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Whitney; five grandchildren, Hannah (Nate), Andy (Kathleen), Jon (Grace), Ellen, and Jude; and four great-grandchildren, Avery, Murphy, Georgia, and Frances. His fifth great-grandchild will arrive in June. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Glenn, and his son, James Edward II (Jed).

There will be a reception in Ed's honor at the Platte City United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 21 from 2-4 pm. Later in the spring, Ed will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Greenlawn Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held following his burial, where we hope friends will join us in honoring an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Details for the event will be announced at a later date.

Dad was a very generous man. If a family member, friend, or stranger was in need, he would help, often anonymously. In lieu of flowers, please create a special memory with family or friends, or make a contribution to an organization that reminds you of Dad.

The family wishes to thank all of Dad's caregivers from Arosa Kansas City, as well as Nurse Natalie, for their exceptional care and grace. He thought of you as family, and so do we.