James Russell (J.R.) Muntz, the son of Richard Lee “Dick,” Sr. and Arline Madeline (Walters) Muntz, was born February 12, 1942, in Maryville, Missouri. He attended West Bend country school and Rock Port Schools, Rock Port, Missouri, graduating in 1960.

J.R. along with his brother, Richard, and Harold Beasing purchased a custom corn shelling business which they operated for several years. On February 18, 1979, J.R. was united in marriage to Betty Thomas, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They made their home in Rock Port until the present time.

J.R. had a passion for farming and working the dirt. Every year he looked forward to planting flowers and raising a large garden. He took great pride in planting straight rows, watching the crops grow, and sharing the fruit of his labor with friends and neighbors. J.R. was formerly employed by the Atchison County Soil Conservation Service in Rock Port as a field assistant. In the early 1990’s J.R. was employed as a truck driver for Wal-Mart and most recently as a meat manager for Wal-Mart in Shenandoah, Iowa, until his declining health forced his retirement. He also served as sexton for Hunter Cemetery of Rock Port. He enjoyed browsing flea markets and looking for antiques. J.R. passed away Friday, April 18, 2014, at his home in Rock Port at the age of 72.

Besides his parents, J.R. was preceded in death by brother, Richard Muntz, Jr. and an infant sister. Survivors include wife, Betty Muntz, Rock Port; children, Christy Tunnell, Maysville, Missouri, Kerri Krutz and husband, Mike, Rock Port, Randy Muntz and wife, Hillary, Eagle River, Alaska, Gayle Jennings and husband, Mark, Tarkio, Missouri, Mike Thomas, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jerry Thomas, Rock Port; grandchildren, Josh McCoy and his wife, Krista, Jacobi Tunnell, Brogan and Jayden Krutz, Lilia Muntz, Amber Graham, Alexa Wright and husband, Tyler, Ryan Burke, Tyler Jennings and Jared Thomas; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Luke McCoy; sister, Marcia Lance, Burlington, Iowa and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services:
10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 22, 2014, Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.
A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port.
The family will receive friends from 6:00–7:00 PM, Monday, at Minter Funeral Chapel.
Memorials may be directed to the Rock Port School new gymnasium development or American Cancer Society.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.