James Douglas Pelts, son of the late Louie Pelts and Vera Lue Tabor Pelts, was born May 7, 1929, in Pemiscot County, Missouri and departed this life on May 24, 2026 at St. Francis Medical Center in Memphis, TN. at the age of 97 years and 17 days.  

James served his country during the Korean war. James was a lineman for Pemiscot Electric Company for many years.

James married Shelby Jean Hackworth,  they were married for 66 years.

Survivors include:

His wife: Shelby Jean Pelts of Kennett, Missouri

Several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by two sisters: Mary Pelts Danley and Joann Pelts Jones.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday, May 29, 2026 at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM at the McDaniel Chapel with Frank Bargoss officiating.  Honored to serve as pallbearers: Ron Hackworth, Keith Privett, Chris Danley, Callen Danley, Ryan Miller and Lee Jones. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett will be in charge of the arrangements.