James Burnell Englehart, 84, of Oak Ridge died Thursday, June 14, 2018, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Dec. 17, 1933, in Jackson to William Herbert and Agnes Estelle Bandy Englehart. He and Madonna Eggers were married Dec. 27, 1956, at Jackson.

James served in the Air Force in the Korean War from 1952 to 1956. He served in Japan for two and a half of those years.

He received his bachelor of science degree from Southeast Missouri State University and his master's degree from the University of Missouri.

He was an educator in Cape Girardeau schools for 27 years, serving as the junior high principal and director of secondary education. Prior to coming to Cape Girardeau, he served as high school principal for the Puxico, Portageville and Poplar Bluff, Missouri, school districts.

He was a member of many educational organizations and served as past president of Southeast Missouri Principals Association, Stoddard County Principals Association and Stoddard County Teachers Association. He was a longtime member of Cape West Rotary Club.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, member of the administrative financial council and pastor-parish committee. He also served as Stephen Minister at Missouri Veterans Home for 10 years and was volunteer of the year in 2011. He also served on the board for Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association in Fruitland and was a board member of Old McKendree Chapel.

His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; "his dog," Piper; playing cards with family and friends, and spending time on the lake.

Survivors include a brother, Robert (Shirley) Englehart of O'Fallon, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Carol Englehart of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Paige (Rusty) Statler and James Brent (Kristen) Englehart II; and three great-grandchildren, Isabella Rose Statler, Carter Lee Statler and Mason James Statler due in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son, James "Brent" Englehart; and a brother, WM D. Englehart.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Glenn Patterson officiating. Burial will be at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.