James J. DeLong

James Joseph "Jim" DeLong, 78, of Pleasant Hill, was born August 16, 1947, in Jefferson City, the son of Joseph Ira and Besse Mae (Reed) DeLong. He departed this life Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Beautiful Savior Manor Assisted Living Apartments.

Jim mostly attended Grain Valley Schools then graduated in 1965 from Blue Springs High School.

He was a United States Navy Vietnam War Veteran. He entered the service on June 29, 1965, serving aboard the USS Hornet. While serving he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device. He was released honorably on August 15, 1968, as Chief Petty Officer Third-Class.

On September 14, 1968, he was united in marriage to Judith Leanne Mansell in Blue Springs and to this union three children, Diane, David, and Donna Jo were born. Judy preceded him in death on October 8, 2018.

Jim worked for Missouri Public Service that was bought out many times but retired with KCP&L as a power plant operator after 40 years of service in 2009 and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers local #814, later local #412. He was an active member of Pleasant First Christian Church where he served as property chairman, deacon, and elder. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3118 and served on the funeral Honors Guard. He enjoyed reading, learning, computers, woodworking, painting, leathercrafting, boating, fishing, traveling, bicycle and motorcycle riding. He also enjoyed writing and was the author of two books. He was active in Boy Scouts earning the title Honorary Warrior. Above all he loved time spent with family at fall pumpkin patches, cookouts, birthdays, holidays, and all his grandchildren's sports and activities.

Everyone will miss his meticulous nature, gentle spirit, and wry sense of humor. In notes left to his children he said his epitaph should read "He had a good life; he had a good wife”

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Thomas DeLong; sister-in-law, Sheryl White and his daughter-in-law, Caprice DeLong.

He is survived by his children, Diane (and Isaac) Snow of Pleasant Hill; David DeLong of Kingsville, and Donna Jo (and Jimmy) Lipe of Windsor; nine grandchildren, Andrew (and Paige) Snow of Greenwood, Amanda Snow (and Chase Swisher) of Lee's Summit, James R. DeLong (and Megan McLennan) of Holden, Alyssa DeLong of Knob Knoster, Mercedes DeLong of Kingsville, Billy (and Jayne) Guffey of Jefferson City, Jesse (and Taylor) DeLong of Warsaw, Jodi (and Zachary) Spear of Tightwad, and Dani Guffey of Grain Valley; eight great grandchildren, Bennett Snow, Lakelynn DeLong, Bentley Bricker, Carter Bricker, Myla Bricker, Paisley Guffey, Marlee DeLong, and Hudson DeLong; brother-in-law, Bill (and Betsy) Mansell of Blue Springs; sister-in-law, Jowain Wayman of Pleasant Hill, and sister-in-law Barbie DeLong of Lone Jack; other relatives and friends.

Visitation was held Wednesday evening, April 1, 2026, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Reverend John McCoy officiated. A Final Salute Ceremony was conducted by Past Commander Ron Beatty and members of V.F.W. Post #3118.

Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Navy and the V.F.W. Post # #3118 Honor Guard. His grandchildren served as casket bearers.

Memorial contributions are suggested to V.F.W. Post #3118 and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements; Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080