James "Jim" Armstrong, Sr., of Villa Ridge, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born October 26, 1942, in Jasper, son of Oscar and Elma (Phipps) Armstrong.

Jim, as he was known to family and friends, proudly served in the United States Army from 1964–1970, when he joined the Army National Guard and served as a mechanic at Jefferson Barracks until his retirement in 2002.

He married the love of his life, Helen Yager, on October 26, 1971, his 29th birthday, in Miami, Oklahoma.

Jim was a member of the American Legion Post #218 in Washington and faithfully attended Life Stream Church in Washington. He spent his leisure time lake fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and playing basketball with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Elma Armstrong; brothers, Dale Armstrong, Darell Armstrong, Neal Hon; and grandson, Owen Armstrong.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen Armstrong, of Villa Ridge; sons, James "Jim" Armstrong and spouse Ketina, of Villa Ridge, Jeff Armstrong and spouse Devin, of Nixa; sisters, Cheri Ditsch, of Lake Ozark, Billie Ford, of Oklahoma, Janice Hon, of Jasper; grandchildren, Allyson, Hayden, Logan, Ethan, and Benjamin; great-grandchildren, Noah, Henry, and Lyla; other relatives, and many friends.