James "Jim" Guy VanMeter

James “Jim” Guy VanMeter, 91 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Odessa Health Care Cetner in Odessa, MO.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2025, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 100 Hwy OO, Odessa, MO, 64076. Interment with military honors will follow at the Odessa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church in Odessa. Memories of Jim and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.

Jim was born on December 15, 1933, in Odessa, MO to Lloyd Guy and Edna Leona (Claunch) VanMeter. He attended Starr School from 1939 to 1943, Shaw School from 1943 to 1947, and Odessa High School from 1947 to 1951. Jim worked for Smith-Anson John Deere 1951 to 1954 and enlisted in the United States Army. He completed boot camp at Fort Riley, KS ending his tour of duty as AGD in Forest Park, GA in 1956. In 1956 Jim returned to work for Smith-Anson. In 1957 Jim worked on construction for Bill Osment. He helped his father with the farming operation in 1958 and worked for Cam Morrison in 1958-1959 as a mechanic at Morrison Truck and Tractor. On July 17, 1959, Jim was united in marriage to Evelyn Loretta Matthews in Odessa, MO. Jim owned and operated a tank truck, delivering for COOP as a rural farm delivery driver. In 1978 Jim worked for Reich Mushroom until 1984. In 1984 Jim went to work for Farmland Industries as an over-the-road truck driver until his retirement on December 31, 1991. After retirement, Jim worked for Odessa-MFA, and Fireworks Supermarket as a delivery driver. On September 19, 1992, Jim began working as an OTR driver for Wellington Oil and Gas, which later became Energy Transport Solutions. Retiring at 78 from ETS on December 11, 2011. Jim was the oldest living member of the First Baptist Church in Odessa becoming a member the age of five. He joined the Odessa Volunteer Fire Department in 1963, serving as a volunteer firefighter until 1995. Holding various officer’s positions and becoming the first Rural Association Fire Chief. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Jim loved lake life, camping, watching the royals, chiefs and auto racing.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn VanMeter of Odessa, MO; two daughters, Linda (Stephen) Varner and Susie (Kevin) Campbell, both of Odessa, MO; four grandchildren, Darrell (Mia) LeBeau of Odessa, MO, Kyle (Taylor) Campbell of Odessa, MO, Ryan Campbell and fiancé Hannah Keller of Nixa, MO, and Danielle (Caleb) Flory of Baldwin City, KS; five great-grandchildren, Hadley, Tate, and Ellis LeBeau, and Kolson and Pryor Flory; three sisters, Donna Morgan of Independence, MO, Doris (Wes) Cox of Richmond, MO, and Kay (Paul) Robbins of Odessa, MO; one brother, Lee Edward (Sally) VanMeter of Connecticut; one sister-in-law, Kathryn VanMeter of Odessa, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Bob” VanMeter; and two brothers-in-laws, Granville Morgan and Royce Carter.