James R Love

With heavy hearts and grateful remembrance, we announce the passing of James R Love, who departed this world on July 28, 2026, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Born on August 3, 1946, in Hannibal, Missouri, James filled his 79 years with warmth, enthusiasm, and an abiding devotion to family, friends, and adventure.

James’s life was one of commitment and generosity. He was deeply proud of his service to his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Airforce. But nothing brought him more happiness than being surrounded by his loved ones. For James, family was life’s greatest treasure. His most cherished accomplishment, one he often referred to as the best thing he and his beloved wife Sheryl ever did, was adopting their son Jonathan. The love he poured into his family—his wife, his son, and Jonathan’s wife Cassandra—was boundless and unwavering.

James had a rare ability to make every niece and nephew feel uniquely special. Whether encouraging their adventures, teaching them how to play the latest video game, or sparking their curiosity in science and technology. He was a tech marvel and had a special knack for computers. He developed programs that were searching the deepest parts of outer space for scientific knowledge and expansion.

James did many adventurous things throughout his life, from being a co-driver and navigator for SCCA Pro Rally racing, to purchasing a houseboat with his sister Marla and brother-in-law Russell, setting out for great adventures on California’s waterways and creating cherished memories that those who joined him will hold close forever.

James will be remembered for his super generous heart. He gave freely and quietly, often putting the needs of others ahead of his own without hesitation or expectation. He would go out of his way, no matter the cost or effort, to help someone in need—a legacy of kindness that touched countless lives.

James’s loss is deeply felt by his wife, Sheryl A. Love; his son, Jonathan R. Love, and daughter-in-law, Cassandra Love; his sister, Linda F. Love; his brother, Robert W. Love, and sister-in-law, Tanya Love; his brother, Cecil J. Love, and sister-in-law, Marsha Love; his sister, Marla K. Werner, and brother-in-law, Russell Werner; as well as his nieces and nephews, Kerry, Teena, Robin, Kelly, Melissa, Nicole, Eric, Jared, and Evan. And his 8 Great Nieces, 7 Great nephews, and Great-great nephew.

James is reunited in peace with those he has loved and lost: his father, James W. Love; his mother, Doris F. Barton; and his brother, Brent L. Love.

A funeral service to celebrate James’s extraordinary life will be held at Grand View Funeral Home, 11116 U.S. 61, Hannibal, MO 63401, on August 2, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Grand View Burial Park, 11116 U.S. 61, Hannibal, MO 63401, on August 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM.