Jesse Boy James, 90, Valley Falls, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at his home.

He was born on Nov. 2, 1922, at Wichita, the son of Claude and Carrie Nichols James. He attended schools in Kansas City, MO. He served stateside in the US Army during WW II. Jesse had retired from being a corrections officer at the Lansing State Prison. He had been a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. He married Mary Laurene Rose on Sept. 19, 1942, at Kansas City, MO. They were foster parents for many years and managed a private home for disabled people in Valley Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; three sons, Jesse L. (Carolyn) James, Atlanta, GA, Timothy (Melanie) James, Valley Falls, and Jonathan (Beckie) James, Tecumseh; three daughters, Carol Niesluchowski (Richard), Valley Falls, Linda (Dan) Spencer, Overland Park, and Laurie James, of the home; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Jesse had 11 brothers and sisters, and a granddaughter, Melissa James, who preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Memorials contributions may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls,KS 66088. Online condolences are at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com