James Harold Rearden, 94, of Desloge, Missouri passed away November 11, 2026. He was born March 14, 1932 in Reynolds Station, Kentucky to the late Ernest Bertram and Clara Catherine (Huff) Rearden. He served his country in the Korean War as a Cpl/Military Police in the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division. He later served his country a second time as a Sgt/Drill Instructor for the U.S. Marines in San Diego, California. Following his military service, he worked as a mechanic in the Bonne Terre Mines; then he worked as an electrician at the Pea Ridge Mine in Missouri and later at Granite City Steel in Illinois where he retired in 1994.
He was an active member of the community serving as the Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 564, Unit Commissioner for Boy Scout Ozark Trails District, a Woodbadger in the St. Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, a steady volunteer collecting and distributing for St. Vincent de Paul to those in need, a 4th Degree Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, and a life time member of the Desloge VFW. He was also an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Park Hills where he worked many volunteer hours to keep it in shape.
He is preceded in death by Katheryn, his wife of 62 years; his parents; son, Richard Allen Rearden; grandson, John Bryce Gower; brothers, Charles Truman Lafayette Rearden and Herman David Rearden; sisters, Iona Pearl Simon, Mary Catherine Roby, Dorothy Lee Rearden, Helen Marie Coomes, and Clara Ernestine Rearden.
He is survived by: children, James Clifford (Ina) Rearden, Timothy Patrick (Chi) Rearden, William David (Rachel) Rearden, Mary Gail Reardon, and Karen Elaine (Terry) Denton; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren; brother, Joseph William Rearden; sister, Patricia Ann Harralson; sister-in-law, Sheila (Herman D.) Rearden; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Kutis Funeral Home South County Chapel on Monday, November 16, 4 – 8 pm. The service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, in the Chapel at 10:30 am and the interment will follow at 11:30 am at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, with full Military Honors.
Memorial Donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church in Park Hills or St. Vincent de Paul c/o Immaculate Conception Church – Park Hills.