Mildred L. James

Mildred “Pete” L. James (nee Putman), of O Fallon, MO, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Charles Don James; cherished daughter of the late Chester and Opal Putman; devoted mother of Terry (Deborah) James and Tom (Jane) James; loving grandmother of Ashley James, Daniel (Melissa) James, Brittany (Nick) Renfroe, Tiffany (Matt Morkel) James and the late Krista Lynne James; treasured great-grandmother of Max James Morkel; dear sister of Joe (Donna) Putnam, the late Jim Putnam and the late Mary Bennett; sister-in-law of Rose Putman, the late Cuba Putman and the late Bennie Bennett.

Mildred was born in Shamrock, Texas on September 6, 1934. She was one of four children, 2 brothers and a sister. She smiles ear to ear, when she talks about her sweetheart Charlie. They met in Texas, just before he went to Alaska for the Air Force. She wasn’t sure if he was committed, they had only known each other for 2 weeks. He sent her an engagement ring through the mail and she knew he was serious. They were married in 1953 and they were married for 59 ½ years before she lost him to cancer.

They have two sons, Terry and Tom, and four grandchildren. Mildred was able to stay home with her boys and kept busy in the home. Charlie took a job at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, which is what brought them to Missouri. Later, after the boys were older, Mildred took a job at McDonnell Douglas too. Charlie and Mildred worked there until they both retired and then spent much of their time camping. They especially enjoyed Mark Twain Lake. They made many friends over the years, both while camping and involved with their church. Charlie loved to sing and play his guitar. One of Mildred's most prized possessions was a tape she has with his voice and him playing guitar.

Mildred was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Mildred's name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or First Free Will Baptist Church of O'Fallon.