James H. Pearson, 79, Neosho, died at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Freeman West Hospital following a lengthy illness. 

He was born May 6, 1928, in Long Beach, Calif., to Roy and Myrtle (Scott) Pearson.

Mr. Pearson was a lifelong Neosho area resident. He was a truck driver for Ray Smith Feed Co in Neosho, and also worked at Webb’s One Stop. He was an avid fisherman and collector.

James married the former Mary Richards, Jan. 3, 1950, in Arkansas; she survives. 
Additional survivors include six children and their spouses, Shirley Anderson, Sheri and Michael Wilson, Ladona and Bobby Gregg, and Sue and Charles Phillips, all of Neosho, Larry and Lyssa Pearson, Kansas City, Kan., and David Pearson, Neosho; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Oakwood Cemetery, south of Neosho, with Rev. Fred Shellenberger officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., today with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.