MSG (Ret) James Phillips Sands

James Phillips Sands was born August 16, 1933, on Cherry Street in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of James Milton and Dorothy Mae Reed Sands. He was a very young child when his heart first responded to the One who gave him life. Looking out his window one day, he saw a meadowlark sitting on a fence and knew deep inside that God IS and He loved Jamie. The little boy said "yes, Lord". He grew up far from perfect by his own admission, but he learned how to repent and gave God the glory for all things good in his life. Most of his childhood school days were spent at Hardin, Missouri. He and his brother John worked alongside their dad operating heavy equipment and moving houses. James was often left in charge of work crews from the age of 13. He joined the U.S. Army in 1951, taking Basic Training in Hawaii, then being stationed with an Engineer Battalion in Germany. It was there he met and married his lovely bride, Anni Elisabeth Schmitt on December 2, 1954. Four children came along, James, Debbie, Pam and Tom. The family would move to several military stations throughout James' career, but it was the Ft. Leonard Wood area that became home and gave roots, even while J.P served two tours of duty in Vietnam. James was especially pleased with his work as an Engineer Instructor in Germany for five years, which involved writing training manuals. This experience gave him great empathy for teachers and pastors who would later teach him. Medals awarded to James during his career were: Good Conduct Medal (1st-3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device, 2 Overseas Service Bars, Army Commendation Medal 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring from the Army in 1972, James owned and operated three upholstery shops before opening Sands Small Engine shop next to his home in St Robert. That business thrived successfully for fifteen years. Just when he and Anni were making final retirement plans, she became very ill. She went to Heaven before him on October 1, 1991. On October 24, 1998, James married the second love of his life, Brenda, welcoming her two daughters in the family as his own. During their fifteen years together they grew strong in love for each other and for the Lord. One of James' most heart-felt accomplishments with Brenda came in 2013 when a Life Group focused on evangelism met weekly in their home. When they realized how sick he was and meetings were put on hold, he voiced regret. He truly loved the people involved and the ministry. James left behind many proofs of his creative giftings: over 75 paintings, leather works, woodworking projects, upholstered and restored furniture pieces, recipes, candles and more. He studied and became a pilot in his early 60s. He acquired his "dozer" in his late seventies and began digging a pond with son James, loving every minute they worked on it together. At his 80th birthday party in August 2013, pictures were on display of his very recent project on James' farm: he said, "I cut the hay, raked it and baled it...not bad for an old man." James is survived by his wife: Brenda Sands of Waynesville, MO; four children: James M. Sands (Belinda) of Waynesville, MO, Debra Ann Brown of Crocker, MO, Pamela Mae Cole (Fred) of Waynesville, MO and Thomas R. Sands (Jennifer) of Rockwall, TX; two stepdaughters: Leigh Ann Turbett (Dave) of Waynesville, MO and Jeris J. Hayes (Matt) of Waynesville, MO; 16 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; niece: Linda Walker (Junior); nephew: John Sands (Belle); several great-nieces and great-nephews; special cousins and friends: Herb and Coylene Stevens, Norma Redford and Bill Rainwater; other relatives and friends. Even though he is gone from our sight, we will treasure his memories and carry on his legacy in our hearts and know that we will see him again one day. “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2014 in the Grace Covenant Christian Center of Waynesville with Pastor Howard Malone officiating. Brenda, James' wife, recalled her wonderful memories of James. "Lucky Man" by Montgomery Gentry, "Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me and "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban were played. Serving as escorts were James' family: James M. Sands, Thomas Sands, Jesse Sands, Joseph Sands, Fred Cole and John Sands. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of James Sands and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) James Phillips Sands

August 16, 1933 - March 13, 2014