James Storey Minatra

View Funeral Webcast James Storey Minatra, 89, former long-time resident of Columbia, died Friday, October 9, 2009 in Jefferson City. Mr. and Mrs. Minatra moved to Jefferson City in June 2005 to be near their children, but continued to call Columbia "home." Mr. Minatra was the first Buildings & Grounds Supervisor for Columbia State Community College and remained in that position until his retirement. The family will begin visitation with friends Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols concluding with funeral services at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Gary Wedgewood officiating. Graveside services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. Memorials may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church, 313 Sixth Avenue, Columbia 38401. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. The Giles County native was son the the late Earl Minatra and Valentine Storey Minatra. He was a graduate of Bunker Hill High School in Giles County. At the outset of World War II, he joined the U. S. Army, served in the 80th Infantry Division of General George S. Patton's Third Army, which played a major role in the march to re-enforce Bastone, in the Battle of the Bulge, and in the liberation of several Nazi death camps. He was a member of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19 for over 60 years. Mr. Minatra was a faithful member of Riverside United Methodist Church for over 60 years and active in the Men's Club. He also was a 32nd degree and Scottish Rite Mason. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Margaret Glover Minatra, whom he married May 23, 1941; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Faye and Robert Fort of Jefferson City; son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Terri Minatra of Johnson City; grandchildren, Emily Fort of Reston, Virginia and Susan Fort (Frank Damman) of Chicago, Illinois. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Lynn Minatra; sisters, Edna Earl Mitchell, Hila Worsham, and Louise Davis; brothers, Fred Anderson Minatra and John Edwin Minatra. Active pallbearers are Frank Damman, Richard Rose, Lane Rose, Jeff Jenkins, John Hardesty, and Sherman "Skip" Brown. Members of the Men's Club of Riverside United Methodist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.