James “Jim” E. Wasson Jr. of Leasburg, Missouri was born on Saturday, Nov. 17, 1956 in Mannheim, Germany to James E. Wasson Sr. and Beverly Joy (nee Donaldson) Wasson and passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the age of 69 years, 4 months and 22 days.
He graduated from Sullivan High School in the Class of 1975.
He worked as an auto mechanic at American Auto Parts and later at CarQuest and Walmart.
Jim loved cars, whether he was racing them in his younger days or rebuilding them later in life.
On January 14, 1996, he married Melba Lou Joy in Cuba, Missouri.
His career took him from American Auto in Rolla, Missouri to becoming the manager of the Tire and Lube Center in Sullivan, Missouri where he worked for 23 years before retiring.
He had accepted the Lord.
Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. He could be found often wearing his cowboy hat and smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Sr. and Beverly Wasson; two grandchildren; nephew, Ryan Gable; and a great nephew.
Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Melba Wasson of Leasburg, Missouri; children, Rebecca Wasson of West Plains, Missouri, Felicia (Allan) Studeny of Bourbon, Missouri, James Wasson of Salem, Missouri, Melinda (AJ) Rogers of Cuba, Missouri and Brittany (Anthony) Rott of Washington, Missouri; brothers, Michael (Emma) Wasson of Roby, Missouri and Edward (Janine) Wasson of Taylorsville, Kentucky; brother-in-law, Richard “Rich” (Lesa) Joy of Valley Park, Missouri; sister-in-law, Loretta (Neal) Smith of St. Louis, Missouri; grandchildren, Solana, Savannah, Malcolm, Jackson and Gabby Bridges, Zayda, Addie and Allan III Studeny, Makiah, Ayedin and Liam Wasson, Audreanna and Carter Rogers, Charley, Eleanor and Maizie Rott; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Tim Good officiating.
Burial followed at Lea Cemetery in Leasburg, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
