James Emmett Starling Sr.

OBITUARY James Emmett Starling, Sr. of St. Clair, MO departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Friday, March 28, 2025, having reached the age of ninety-one years, one month and two days. James was born in Granite City, IL on February 26, 1934, son of Eldred Raymond Starling and Bernice Starling nee Gattung. On June 2, 1956 he was united in marriage to Mary Frances Wagner, blessed to had been married for 68 years and two sons came to bless this union. James is survived by his wife, Mary Starling of St. Clair, MO; by one son, James E. Starling, Jr. of Tarpon Springs, FL; by one daughter-in-law, Diane Starling of St. Louis, MO; by one sister, Pamela Greenwell of CO; by his grandchildren, Nicholas Starling of Dallas, TX, Erica Starling and boyfriend, Chad, of St. Louis, MO and Jessica Starling and fiancé, Mike Ford, of St. Louis, MO; by his great-granddaughter, Sophia Ford of St. Louis, MO; by nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, Eldred and Bernice Starling; by one son, Mark A. Starling; by one daughter-in-law, Vicky Starling; by his brothers, William Starling and Raymond Starling; and by one sister, Doris “Tootie” Shup. James was a Christian and longtime member of United Methodist Church in St. Clair, MO. during his working career he was employed by McDonnell Douglas-Boeing as an aircraft mechanic, retiring after thirty-five years of service to the company. He was also a proud member and Golden Lifetime Member of IAM 837 in St. Louis, MO for thirty-five years. He was very involved with the Boy Scouts, being an assistant scoutmaster, member of the Order of the Arrow, and many other activities. James enjoyed woodworking, making clocks and had built three of their family homes. He also enjoyed cutting and splitting wood and working in his vegetable garden. He had at one time built a Chevrolet Chevelle. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be cherished by them all forever. A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, April 3, 2025 at United Methodist Church in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Donna Schofield-Dolle officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Hills Cemetery in Glen Carbon, IL. Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church or American Lung Association.

James Emmett Starling Sr.

February 26, 1934 - March 28, 2025