James "Bodie" Herbert Boren

James “Bodie” Herbert Boren, son of the late James Henry Boren and Lola Inez (Cook) Boren, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 10, 1934. As a young boy, Bodie (as he was called by his family and friends) grew up in Crocker, Missouri and graduated from Crocker High School with the Class of 1954. On October 5, 1955, in Miami, Oklahoma, Bodie was united in marriage to Vivian “Sue” Luttrell. They shared over 68 years of marriage together and were blessed with six children: Judy, Janet, Margie, Joel, Becky, Charles, James, and Matthew. Bodie was a hardworking man and took great pride in providing for his family. For 30 years, Bodie built boats in Richland, Camdenton, and Lebanon. In 1976, he started Osagian Canoes and operated the business until 1986. He was also a cattle farmer for 53 years, raising cattle on the family farm in Richland. Early in his life, Bodie made a profession of faith accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized. He was a faithful member of the Swedeborg Church of Christ and served as pastor for over 50 years. He loved his Lord and serving the people of his congregation. Bodie had a servant’s heart and took that attitude into being a Swedeborg school board member for 18 years. He also was a member of the Cattleman’s Association for 15 years. Bodie stayed active up until his passing. He enjoyed working out in God’s beautiful nature in the garden, raising his cattle, and looking over his land and cattle on his side by side and tractor. He also enjoyed singing, listening to music, playing pool, doing lots of puzzles, talking to anyone and everyone (he never met a stranger) and spending time with his family. Bodie went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, December 28, 2023, in his home having attained the age of 89 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Bodie leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Sue Boren of the home; six children: Judy Kelley (Jeff) of Richland, MO, Janet Walters (Vic) of Richland, MO, Margie Weaver of Lebanon, MO, Joel Boren of Richland, MO, Becky Proctor of Richland, MO, and Charles Boren (Heather) of Richland, MO; eleven grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; sister: Dorothy Mayhew of Crocker, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Bodie was preceded in death by two sisters: Bonnie June Faren Fritts and Henrietta Boren Criswell; and two sons: James David Boren and Matthew James Boren; as well as beloved cousin, Eva Lambeth. Even though he is gone from our sight, Bodie’s love of his Lord and servant’s heart will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Brother Charles Boren officiating. Becky Proctor and Judy Kelley shared family reflections. Son, Charles Boren sang “That’s My Job” and “I Saw the Light.” The Boren children sang “Precious Memories.” The recorded song, “Have I Told You” by Hank Williams was also played. Vic Walters, Jeff Kelley, Joel Boren, Jr., James Booth, Canaan Boren, and Don Mayhew served as escorts. Honorary escorts included Merlin Shelton, Rick Caffee, and David Mayhew. Burial followed in the Crocker Memorial Park Cemetery of Crocker, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

James "Bodie" Herbert Boren

September 10, 1934 - December 28, 2023