James Willard Friel was born the son of James S. Friel and Ethel J. (Kirk) Friel on March 21, 1928 in Portageville, Missouri, and departed this life March 29, 2013 in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 85 years.
He was united in marriage on March 30, 1948 in Piggott, Arkansas to Dolly Cheek.
He is survived by his wife, Dolly of Thayer, Missouri; five children, Margaret Cochran of Agnos, Arkansas, Jerry Friel and wife, Velda of Alma, Arkansas, Sharon Miller and husband, James of Muldrow, Oklahoma, Elizabeth Smith and husband, Howard of West Plains, Missouri and Mary Morris and husband, Chris of Broadway, Virginia; nineteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ethel Friel and five sisters, Marie Spoor, Ruby Friel, Naomi Hughey, Almeda Bowman and Edith Weaver.
Mr. Friel was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II. He was employed by American Can Company in St. Louis, Missouri for fifteen years and was later employed by Garnett Wood Products in Koshkonong, Missouri for several years.
Mr. Friel was a Christian and attended Shekinah Tabernacle. He enjoyed small engine repair and attending auctions.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will truly be missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer, Missouri with Brother Marty McComas officiating. Visitation will be Monday, April 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.