Joseph "Joe" James

Joseph (Joe) Ryan James, son of John Martin James and Jeannie LouAnn James, was

born February 20, 1982, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He departed this life March 11,

2026, at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital at the age of 44 years. Joseph was a 2000

graduate of Flippin High School and the proud father of Ethan James (17) and Owen

James (15).

Joseph attended college at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, graduating with a

Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture in 2006. Joseph was employed

by St. Charles County, where he served as Park Planner for almost 13 years. He was a

member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and Missouri Parks

Association (MPA). He was actively involved in the development of several local

parks: Veterans Tribute Park, Kinetic Park, The Park at New Melle Lakes, and Oglesby

Park.

There were many wonderful facets to Joseph. He was a Christian and attended The

Crossing at Chesterfield. He was a great friend, father, brother, uncle, landscape

architect, artist, billiards player, storyteller, conversationalist, golfer, movie enthusiast,

and devoted sports fan that was super funny, friendly, patient, and always dependable.

Even with his life so full and active, he always found time to concoct and execute the

perfect prank. April Fools' Day was one of his favorite holidays and if you knew Joseph,

you knew to be on your toes on this day annually.

Joseph enjoyed playing in pool leagues, participating in fantasy football, calling the

Hogs, playing games with family, birthday outings with friends, golf tournaments with his

buddies, and cheering his boys to victory in all aspects of life. In fact, he could usually

be heard loudly in the stands at their sporting events. Above all, he had a strong faith in

God and a deep love for his family, especially his two boys, whom he adored.

Joseph is survived by his mother, Jeannie LouAnn James of Flippin, Arkansas; two

sons, Ethan James and Owen James of O'Fallon, Missouri; friend and boys' mother,

Kristal Burns of O'Fallon, Missouri; one sibling, Brooke Lacey (husband Kevin) of

Eureka, Missouri; two nieces, Samantha Lacey (15) and Annabelle Lacey (10), and a

host of other relatives and many close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Martin James.

Joseph's humor, kindness, and devotion to his family will be deeply missed by all who

knew and loved him.