Obituary – James “Sonny” Jennings

James Cecil Jennings, of Success, Mo., passed away March 31, 2025, surrounded in love by those closest to him. James was born July 20, 1941, in Rector, Mo., to Ellen Cox and Cecil Jennings as the baby of the family. He married his “little woman,” Janice (Sherry) Norris, May 28, 1966; they had one daughter, three grandsons and six great-grandchildren.
James was known by many names through his life (Tiny, Moose, Sonny, Sarge, JC or just Pa or Grampy), but whichever name you knew him by, you would know he was a big man who loved his family and would never turn down a chance to hunt or fish. He was also widely regarded as one of the strongest men anyone ever met and delighted in demonstrating feats of strength at every opportunity. He was particularly fond of arm wrestling and letting his opponent feel like he was making progress, only to then proceed to “check the time” on his wristwatch while he smoothly pinned the opponent.
He was a Vietnam era Army veteran (hence the Sarge nickname) and expert marksman, and was stationed in Orleans, France, during the war and then later with his family in Berlin, Germany. After leaving the military they moved to Success, Mo., where he spent years as a school bus driver and working on small engines. He later worked civil service at Ft. Wood up until his retirement.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Dale Smith and Ethel (Smith) Glidwell, and sister Betty (Jennings) Ortega. James is survived by his wife, Janice (Sherry), of the home; sister Kathryn Crone, of Willow Springs; daughter Shannon Jennings, of Springfield, Mo.; grandsons Cory Jennings and wife Trichelle, of Marshfield, Mo., and Harley and Riley Bell, of Springfield, Mo.; and great-grandchildren Weston and Brendon Parsons, Llogan, Abbygail, Sawyer and Keiran Jennings.
A Graveside Service was held Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Antioch Cemetery, Dewitt Drive, Hartshorn, Mo. Arrangements were under the direction of Bradford Funeral Home, Summersville, Mo.