James Weldon Worsham

James Weldon Worsham, cherished husband, daddy, brother, papa, and friend, passed away at home on October 11, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on June 14, 1941, in Kansas City, MO, to Tollie Ray and Venita Irene (Landers) Worsham and raised through school in Salem, AR, James lived a full and vibrant life, deeply loved by his family and friends.
James met Edna Joyce Paylor in Springfield, MO, and they were married in April of 1960. This union blended two families that were more than just family they became friends, spending hours on Grand Lake fishing and playing cards and dominos. During this union J &N Sporting Goods was born. This business at Carson's Corner not only allowed James and Joyce to earn a living, but it also gave them friendships with people from all over the world. They loved the store and spent more than 40 years there, and those friendships lasted a lifetime.
James and Joyce retired to Bolivar to be closer to family. James is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Edith (Roger) Albright, Salem, AR, and four infant sons who died at birth.
He leaves behind his wife Edna Joyce, of the home; two children James Michael (Jason Nelke) Worsham, Lodgepole, NE and Beth (Scott Butler) Worsham Butler, Bolivar, M0, three brothers, Bill (Charlene) Worsham, Ron Worsham, and Jack Worsham and a brother-in- law, Roger Albright all of Salem, Arkansas.
James also leaves behind four beloved grandsons: Zane Hunt (Klarissa), Logan Isaacs (Blake), one honorary grandson, Anthony Ramos, of Springfield, and Shayn and Jacksyn Butler, of Bolivar, and five great-grandchildren, Leo, Kyriah, Symphonie, Liam, and Atticus.
James also leaves behind far too many friends to mention. Please know that if you loved Jim, he loved you back. He would never tell you that of course but just trust me. It is true.
According to his wishes his body will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date when family and friends will gather to tell stories about our friend, brother, our Daddy, and our Papa, and to honor his remarkable journey in this life. We hope you will join us then.
Care has been entrusted to Pitts Chapel of Greenlawn Funeral Homes, Bolivar, Missouri.