James Lewis Sommer of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away under the care of Hospice on April 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

James was born December 2, 1930, to Philip and Marion Clark Sommer in Cosby, Missouri. For many years he worked the family farm with his father, brother, Roger, and mother. In 1955, he joined the Missouri Air National Guard as a full time plane mechanic while he studied to become a flight engineer. During his military career, he worked his way up to Chief Master Sergeant. In 1988, he was chosen by the Adjutant General of Missouri to become his Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL), and he held that position for two years before retiring.

In 1955, James married the love of his life, Rosemary, who passed away in February of 2025, and they resided in St. Joseph, Missouri, for 33 years before moving to Mountain Home in 1990.

While living in St. Joseph, James enjoyed spending time with his family on the lake and caring for the family’s mini-zoo of dogs, cats and horses. After retirement in 1988, James and Rosemary drove through Mountain Home, Arkansas, and fell in love with the people and the community. They moved here in 1990, where they enjoyed their final years serving their church and community and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

James Sommer was known for his kindness, gentleness, honesty, and integrity. There is a popular saying when honoring someone: He loved God - He loved his Family - and He loved his Country. James lived according to those words every day of his life.

James was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary; parents, Philip and Marion Sommer; brother, Roger Sommer; and niece, Karen Lutz. Family members mourning his loss, are daughter, Debby (Jason) Williams of Mountain Home; son, Tim (Karen) Sommer of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Taylor (Craig) Yowell of Cotter, Arkansas, Travis Williams of Mountain Home, John (Samantha)Williams Jacksonville, Florida, and Megan Ewton of Yukon, Oklahoma; as well as, numerous great-grandchildren.

James was an incredible man - who lived his life by example and not words. His entire family counts it a profound blessing and privilege to have shared in his life, and we know we will see him again. John 3:16.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. A Funeral Service for James will be 10:00 am, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Christ Community Church, with Dr. David Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, AR, with Jason Williams, Craig Yowell, Carter Yowell, Travis Williams, Johnny Adamson, and Kevin Linebaugh as pallbearers. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and Alley-White American Legion Post #52 Honor Guards.

In honor of James, the family requests any donations be made to Hospice of the Ozarks and/or Christ Community Church.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.