BRANSON WEST, Mo. - James Tilford Day, Branson West, Mo., son of Ward and Emma (Wenzel) Day, was born July 23, 1928, in Pretty Prairie, Kan., and departed this life Dec. 4, 2009, in his home, at the age of 81.

James had lived in the area the past four years, coming from Hutchinson, Kan. He was a member of the VFW #1361 in Hutchinson and a U. S. Army veteran. Before retiring, James was a refrigeration supervisor for Dillons.

James was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Marion Day, three sisters, Rose Parkhurst, Louise Freeman and Tony Leglieter and grandson, Jeff Freeman.

Survivors include: his wife, Brigitta; children, Vicki Freeman, Donna Egbert, Jim Day, Bill Day, Ralph Seat, Michelle Ritterhouse and Norman Seat; brothers, Lester Day, William Ward Day, Jr. and Joe Day; sisters, Fran Wilson and Laura Duncan; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at Stumpff Funeral Home-South, Kimberling City, Mo., with Jerry Jenkins officiating. A second memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, Kan.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or Reeds Spring Animal Shelter.