James "Jim" Walter Curtis

James "Jim" Walter Curtis obituary, Odessa, MO

James "Jim" Walter Curtis

James "Jim" Curtis Obituary

Visit the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

James “Jim” Walter Curtis, 85, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. 

 Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Odessa Restoration Branch, 6783 MO-131, Odessa, Missouri, 64076. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at the church. Interment will be held at Odessa Cemetery in Odessa, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to Odessa Restoration Branch. Memories of Jim and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph O. Jone Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. 

 Jim was born on January 7, 1940, in Independence, MO to Ronnie L. and Marjorie (Dennis) Curtis. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1957. Jim was united in marriage to Sylvia Heidelberg on July 9, 1960, in Jackson, Mississippi. He retired from the United States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier in Odessa, MO. Jim was a member and Deacon of the Odessa Restoration Branch. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Jim enjoyed spending his and Sylvia’s winters in Florida with Melissa and her family, watching and attending Mizzou Football and Chiefs Football games, Royals games, playing senior league golf, and drinking coffee at JJ’s and McDonalds, but most of all attending his grandchildren’s school activities. 

 Jim is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sylvia Curtis of Odessa, MO; three children, David (Theresa) Curtis of Blue Springs, MO, Melissa (Scott) St. George of Winter Garden, FL, and Lisa Dowell of Odessa, MO; six grandchildren, Jonathan (Claire) Curtis, Nicole Curtis, Hayden Dowell, Amanda St. George, Ashley St. George, and Carson Dowell; three great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. 

 Along with both his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Raynes. 

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home

306 South 2nd Street, Odessa, MO 64076

How to support James "Jim"'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James "Jim" Curtis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more