Nancy Irene James

Nancy Irene James, 80, of Middletown, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Myers Funeral Home in Middletown with Deacon Ron Deimeke officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Nancy was born on January 3, 1946 in St. Charles, the daughter of Edward and Irma (Aubuchon) Kern. On January 25, 1964, in Wellsville at the home of a Judge, she married Darryll James, who survives.

Nancy worked as a medical transcriptionist for over 40 years between Blessing Hospital and Audrain Medical Center, where she also held the position of supervisor of medical transcription. Nancy wore many hats and had a wide variety of interests. She loved gardening and had quite the green thumb. She could bring just about any plant back to life and especially loved her flowers. She enjoyed fishing, tractor pulling, and riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles, even owning one herself. Nancy was always willing to try something new, whether it was needlepoint, macramé, or some other craft that caught her interest. She was also a great cook and had a knack for putting together a whole meal with just four ingredients. It didn't matter who showed up or when, Nancy could always find something to feed them. She was especially known for her fried chicken, which she often made and shared at the tractor pulls. She also enjoyed watching Fox News and keeping up with what was going on in the world.

Survivors include her husband Darryll; two daughters Laurie (Dan) Brink of Quincy, Illinois and Amy Leebold (Scott Aschemann) of Quincy, Illinois; four grandchildren, Emily (Jake) Tadeo, Evan (Taylor) Brink, Eva Leebold (Nic Crawford) and Rowan Leebold; six great grandchildren, Danielle Tadeo, Avery Tadeo, Warren Tadeo, Ada Brink, Clara Brink, and Maeve Crawford; one sister-in-law, Marian Kern of St. Charles; and numerous extended family members.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, David Kern, Paul Kern, and Les Kern.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Middletown Cemetery Association. Memorials may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates, Wellsville, MO 63384.