Dr. Charles “Charlie” Franklin James, Jr., 93 of Excelsior Springs, Missouri passed away November 22, 2024 at his home. A visitation will be held from 1-2 pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Hidden Valley Funeral home of Liberty, 1015 E. H Hwy, Liberty, Missouri 64068, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm.
 “Charlie” was born in Des Arc, MO, the fifth child of Beulah and Charles James. He enjoyed growing up with his 5 sisters and continued a close relationship with them his whole life. Family was always very important to him! That includes his family growing up, and his own family with wife Mollie and 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren.
 Charlie served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. After his service, he attended Purdue University where he completed his Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees in Engineering.
 Charlie’s professional life was as an engineering educator. He taught and was an administrator at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Massachusetts, Ohio University, Massey University in New Zealand, The University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee and The Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI. He was a devoted teacher and his students gained so much from his knowledge and passion for engineering. Charlie also was an arbitrator for 20 years. For fun, he rode his motorcycle!
 After his retirement, he and Mollie established their farm in rural MO. He enjoyed the quiet life and pleasant views from their back porch.
 He was preceded in death by his parents Charles F. James, Sr. and Beulah Kite James, sisters; Clarenda Janis, LaVerne Czajkowski, Vivien Clark and Wilma Myracle.
 He leaves behind his wife Mollie K. James, sons Tom Stewart and Jeremy James, daughter Darcey McDonough and a sister Twyla Witt.
 In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Excelsior Springs Hospital Hospice, 1010 N. Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. (Arrangements Entrusted to Hidden Valley Funeral Homes, www.hiddenvalleyfunerals.com)