Updated Obituary - James Russell Joy

James Russell Joy

James Russell Joy, 35, son of George Michael “Mike” and Linda Rose (DeMaggio) McKee and Stanley Joy, departed this life December 24, 2015 at St. Luke’s Hospital in North Kansas City, Missouri. James was born April 20, 1980 in Kansas City, Missouri and spent the early years of his childhood in the Kansas City area. Mike and Linda later moved their family to Montrose, Missouri where James attended Montrose School for several years. He felt it was important to finish his high school education earning his GED after a few years.

James continued to make his home in rural Montrose, but worked in the Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri areas doing tree trimming, roofing and concrete work.

Hunting deer occupied some of James’ free time and he also enjoyed fishing in the strip pits surrounding the Montrose area. Spending time with his family and friends was very important to him. He and his Grandpa Scott had a special bond. James’ most selfless act was the gift of life. It was his wish to donate his organs to someone who needed them if an accident ever occurred. Several of the most blessed life giving Christmas gifts were received through his family’s desire to allow his wishes to be carried out.

Preceding James in death were his maternal grandmother and step-grandfather Mae DeMaggio and Ervin Scott; maternal grandfather and step-grandmother, Ed and Violet DeMaggio; paternal grandparents James and Virginia Joy; step-grandfather Harold McKee; and an aunt Mary Kendall.

Survivors include his stepfather and mother, Mike and Linda McKee; his father Stanley E. Joy; one sister Paula Jean Joy; one brother George Allen McKee; five half-sisters: Carol Joy, Shirley Joy, Jamie Joy, Peggy Sue (Chris) Fayard and Paige Joy; two half-brothers William Joy and Levi Joy; two nephews Joseph Kempinger and Noah Kempinger; a step-grandmother Betty McKee; many other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for James will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2016, at Hill and Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri. The Minister officiating at the service will be Pastor David Putthoff.

The visitation will be held from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. preceding the service.

The family suggests any Memorial donations be made to Midwest Transplant. Donations may be left at the funeral home.