James Libby, age 73, of Linneus, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at his home in Linneus.

Funeral services will be Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield. Burial will be in Laclede Cemetery in Laclede. The family will receive friends Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorials to Laclede Cemetery may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, Missouri 64628.

James Michael, son of James E. and Mildred Cecilia (Walsh) Libby, was born November 6, 1951, in Linn County.

James was a dedicated and hardworking businessman who spent his life serving his community in many ways. He was an excavating contractor and served as a County Commissioner for 26 years. He owned and operated Linneus Hardware, where he also ran his plumbing business. In addition, he installed drainage tile for 45 years, owned the Linneus car wash, and was a lifelong farmer. James took great pride in his work and the many contributions he made to his community.

He was a proud member of the Missouri State Tractor Pull Association and loved competing in tractor pulls at the Missouri State Fair, where he earned multiple victories. James had a passion for mechanics and spent several hours rebuilding classic cars and tractors. He also enjoyed socializing daily at the local coffee shop with his good friends and sharing good stories.

Survivors include his siblings, Rodney Libby and wife, Jayne of Wichita, Kansas, Katherine Libby of Laclede, Ernest Libby and wife, Kathy of Brookfield, and Duane L. Libby and wife, Cynthia of Pleasant Hope, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Amy Dryman and husband, Jeremy, Rachel Aponso and husband, Gaya, David Libby, Heather Thudium, Matthew Libby and wife, Kristin, Michael Libby, Olivia Compton and husband, Zach, and Audrey Fetterhoff and husband, Cameron; and several other great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, John Libby.