Menown, James Francis passed away on Tuesday, January 8, in Houston, TX. James (Jim) was one of seven children born to Dr. Roland and Nell Menown in St. Louis, Missouri on April 10, 1915. After finishing Beaumont High School, Jim attended University of Missouri Columbia, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While in college, Jim was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and member of the Missouri Tiger baseball team. From July 1942 to July 1946, Jim served in the US Army completing his tour with a rank of Captain. Following his tour, Jim and three business partners operated Hampton Hardware in St. Louis and later Hampton Lumber and Supply in Crestwood, Missouri. During his career, Jim was an active member of the Missouri Lumberman's Association. In 1947, Jim was introduced by close friends, Joe and Gerry Tlapek, to Frances Knutson, a registered nurse with the B & O Railroad. After a short 'whirl-wind' courtship of 7 years, Jim and Frances were married at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in St. Louis. Jim and Frances eventually settled in Glendale, Missouri. In Glendale, Jim and Frances developed very close friendships with several neighbors and enjoyed many active years traveling, playing golf & bridge, and socializing. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frances. Jim is survived by his children Patty Menown Wolfe, Jim Menown and his wife Kathe Menown; four grandchildren, Garrett Wolfe, Erin Wolfe, Christopher Menown, and Jamie Menown; sister Dorothy Weeks; sister-in-law Barbara Menown, brother Donald Menown; and brother-in-law Dean Knutson. For the past four years, Jim has been a part of the Colonial Oaks Assisted Living community in Houston. Jim has a smile and great appreciation for everyone on staff and living at Colonial Oaks. His love, friendship and service to others have been a blessing for all of us fortunate to have known Jim. Services: Saturday January 12, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 3600 Hampton Ave. (St. Louis). 11:00 am visitation; 11:30 am funeral, followed by burial at Bellefontaine Cemetery.
--St. Louis Post-Dispatch; January 11, 2008