James Edward Wagner, SR. was born on August 26, 1947 in Deering, Missouri to the late Grady Wagner & Mary Evadean Drake Wagner. He departed this life on Sunday August 2, 2020 at his residence in Bernie, Missouri at the age of 72.

James worked in agriculture and was a member of the First Assembly of God Church. He graduated from Delta C-7 in 1967 and was a member of the FFA throughout high school.  He was united in marriage to Diane Noble in March 12,1971. She preceded him in death in August 2017.

His survivors include two daughters, Betty Ann Watson & husband, Danny of Poplar Bluff and Brenda Cowart of Malden. Two sons, James Wagner Jr. of Bernie, and Michael Wagner & wife Betty Jean of Poplar Bluff. Six Grandchildren, Michael Christopher Cowart, Tammy Lee Cowart, Karen Ann Waller, Tiffany Marie Cannady, Chelsea Nicole Long, and Jake Michael Wagner. Nine Great- Great Grandchildren, Alyssa Sloan, Alivia Chambless, James Michael Waller, Kadarius Jordan Johnson, Lakota Lee Waller, Kaiden Isaih Johnson, Hunter Gage Cannady, Hoyt Wade Powell, Bella Grace Long. Two sisters: Jo Ann Morris & husband Gary of Malden, Mary Louise Pack of Advance. One brother, Bill Wagner of Humboldt Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 1 brother Jerry Wagner, and 2 great- Grandchildren Ty Johnson, Ladarius Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday August 5, 2020 at 12 – 2 P.M. Funeral service will follow at 2 P.M. in the Landess Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Mark Thrasher officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Cemetery in Malden.