James E. Borland, Sr. (Jim Borland) of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on June 7, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City near the Plaza. Services will be held on Saturday, June 14th, at Grace United Methodist Church located at 1501 S. Harding Street in Oak Grove. Visitation is from 10:00am – 12:00 noon, followed by a celebration of his life at 12:00 noon, and then burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Oak Grove.
Born on October 12, 1940, in Oak Grove, Missouri, Jim was the oldest son of Bill & Ruth Borland and brother to Dennis Borland. They lived in a house on 12th Street. His hobbies included fishing, camping, golfing, and trap shooting.
Jim graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1958 and then received his teaching degree from CMSU in Warrensburg. He taught various Math classes and Physics for 35 years total, the majority of which were at OGHS. He also coached different sports for many of his teaching years and worked several years at Corn’s Thriftway in Oak Grove. The Lord blessed him with over 20 years of retirement.
Jim married Linda Mansell on May 28, 1966, in the United Methodist Church where they are both members. They had two children: Valori Ruth and James Eldon Jr. Jim loved people and visiting with them. His screened-in porch was his castle where he liked to hold court with anyone who stopped by to visit. He loved joking with everyone and often creating nicknames for them.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Bill, mother Ruth, and brother Dennis. His survivors include his wife Linda, daughter Valori and her husband Daryl Mondor, and son James.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri