James A. Garfield Ingram

Life ReflectionJames A. Garfield Ingram was born on June 3rd, 1933 to Sampson and Martha (Cannon) Ingram in Senatobia, Mississippi. He was the third of five children born to this union. When James was a toddler the family relocated to the close knit community of Webster Groves, Missouri. James could be described as a caring and protective brother. James loved playing games with his siblings and showed some interest in sports. He played as a short stop on the baseball team at Douglass High School in Webster Groves, Missouri, from which he graduated in 1952. James went on to enlist in the United States Army in July of 1953 and served until June of 1955. He served his country during the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal. James fell in love with and married Ruth Lorraine Maxwell in 1956. James and Ruth opened their loving home to several foster children through the years. In civilian life, James could be described as a diligent and hardworking employee. He worked for McDonnell Douglas, Edison Brother Stores, Inc. and West End Clinic, Inc. James retired from West End Clinic, Inc. in October 2016 at the age of 83. He was well respected by his peers and everyone he served. Although he was a no nonsense security guard, he spoke of the clients receiving help at the clinic with care and compassion. James' family will remember him as a loving patriarch who was always willing to share his life stories and wisdom. He was a little league coach in University City, Missouri for many years and was VERY VOCAL from the sidelines when cheering on his nephews who played in the league. As an avid sports fan, it was not unusual for him to watch everything from WrestleMania to competitive figure skating, although his favorite sport was baseball. James was preceded in death by his parents; his older, brother John (Barbara) Ingram; his older sister, Jennie Bell Baker; and his very special mother-in-law, Lula Maxwell. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 61 years - Ruth L. Ingram; his siblings - Josephine (George) Hayes and Dorothy (Herbert) Byrd; brother-in-law - Lenell Baker, Sr.; sisters-in-law - Shirley M. Woolfolk, Maude (Gene) Pelloquin and Brenda (Rollo) Johnson. He will be greatly missed by his cousins and many adoring nieces, nephews and friends. Interment:J.B. National Cemetery2900 Sheridan AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63126 . Visitation Monday, Mar 06, 2017 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Williams-James Mortuary, Inc. - Chapel 1424 Dielman Road St. Louis, MO 63132 Funeral Service Monday, Mar 06, 2017 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Williams-James Mortuary, Inc. - Chapel 1424 Dielman Road St. Louis, MO 63132