James Lee Gunter, age 48, of Cowgill, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at his residence.
James was born the son of Donald Lee and Shirley Mae (Moller) Gunter on July 24, 1977, in LaPorte, Indiana. James was a United States Army Veteran, having served from 2009 until 2012, and was united in marriage to Pamella Mathes on January 24, 2011 in New Mexico.

James was a member of the Union Millwright, as well as a Corrections officer and a Probation officer. He held a Master's degree in Criminal Justice. James was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed all things outdoors. He was up for any adventure that came his way. James loved spending time with family and friends, but he especially enjoyed the little children, and they all loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Pamella of the home; his father, Donald Lee Gunter of Dahlgren, Illinois; his mother, Shirley Mae Moller of McLeansborro, Illinois; two sons, Waylon Smalley of Ft. Riley, Kansas and William Parras of Miles City, Montana; four daughters, Felicia Martinez (Shayfer Cooper) of Leon, Iowa, Cerah Clark (Tristan) of Cordon, Iowa, Jessica Gunter of Cowgill, Missouri and Kyla Parras-Larkin (Scott) of Missoula, Montana; three brothers, Don Gunter (Roxanne) of Kingsford Heights, Indiana, Charles Gunter of Mattoon, Illinois and Lawson Brown (Shalae) of Cowgill, Missouri; five grandchildren, Asher, Caelynn, Gemini, Tymber and Dawson; two sisters, Karen Wallace (Rick) of Kingsford Heights, Indiana and Donna Spoth (Michael) of Mentor, Ohio; one sister-in-law, Jenny Gunter of LaPorte, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and one brother, Jerry Gunter.

A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with service following at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Cowgill Cemetery, Cowgill, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the the ALS Association and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Pitts Funeral Home, Braymer, Missouri.