James Thomas Oliver

James Thomas Oliver, 48, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 6, 2017, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born March 13, 1968, in Hannibal, Missouri, a son of the late Robert L. and Beverlaigh (McCarty) Oliver. He was a graduate of Jefferson City High School. On October 2, 1989, James was united in marriage to Gail A. Meltabarger, who survives in Eldon, Missouri. James was a laborer and brick mason for many years. He loved pit bulls, especially his four pets: White Boy, Zuke, Rocker, and Whitie. James also enjoyed drawing and was a wonderful artist. James is also survived by a daughter: Angelica Oliver of Columbia; three step-children: Natasha, Shawn and Jeffrey Meltabarger, all of Eldon; one sister: Onna Adrian of Jefferson City; his special friend and companion: LaTricia Laber of Kansas City; and three grandchildren: Haiden, Hayli, and Shawn II. Along with his parents, James is also preceded in death by a sister: Mona Oliver-Weeks. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Villalobos Rescue Center, P.O. Box 771127, New Orleans, LA 70177. www.vrcpitbull.com Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com