James Eugene Belt, 66, of Kearney, Mo., passed away on September 2, 2025.

James, or Jim as most knew him, was born on March 5, 1959 to James Monroe and Virginia Lou (Newsome) Belt in Richmond, Mo., but spent most of his childhood growing up in Orrick, Mo. This is where James would go on to excel in athletics, being a talented dual-sport athlete in basketball and football, where he would be a part of the State Championship 1975 Orrick Bearcats Football Team. While not playing sports, Jim would work around Orrick, doing farm work and showed no fear in climbing the large grain bins. Jim was a great friend to everyone he met and was known to many for being an avid Oakland Raiders fan, his talents as a shark-catcher, but most importantly for his love of being with his grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James M. Belt, and a sister, Cindy (Scotty) Cazzell.

Jim is survived by his mother, Virginia Belt; two sisters, Pam Boyda and Kim (Rick) Turner; his children, Jamie Marrant, Makayla Belt, and Logan Belt; his grandchildren, Natalie, Haylee, Kaitlyn and Zander Marrant, and Marleigh Jewell; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to welcome those who knew and loved Jim to a visitation in honor of his life that will be held from 12 Noon to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick. Jim will be laid to rest at South Point Cemetery, just east of Orrick, and the graveside ceremony will occur directly following the visitation.