James Robert

Peasel

U.S. Army Specialist James Robert "J.R." Peasel Jr., was the cherished son of James R. Peasel Sr. and Holly Harris (Terence). He was born on October 1, 2005 in Washington, MO. He grew up surrounded by a large family and with a strong sense of family, purpose and community. He graduated from Washington High School with the Class of 2024, where he participated in NJROTC.
James was the much-loved brother of six sisters; Kylei, Megan, Jordan, Gracilyn, Kimberlee, and Victoria. Growing up as the only son among six sisters gave James a special place within a family filled with strong personalities, laughter, memories and love. His relationships with each of his sisters were uniquely his own, and those bonds will remain with them throughout their lives.
Family was deeply important to James. He shared a particularly meaningful connection with his grandfather, Richard Peasel Sr., whose memory James honored with a tattoo on his wrist-a permanent reminder of the family and generations that helped shape the young man he became.
Following high school, James pursued what had been a lifelong dream by enlisting in the United States Army on July 24, 2024. After completing Infantry Basic Combat Training, he was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, where he achieved the rank of Specialist and served as a Team Leader.
As a member of the Military Funeral Honors with Escort Firing Party, James participated in more that 500 memorial affairs missions at Arlington National Cemetery. He also participated in retirement ceremonies and wreath ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He approached his military service with dedication, discipline and pride, and his family watched with tremendous pride as he grew from the boy they had raised into the soldier and young man he became.
Outside of the uniform, James had an adventurous spirit. An avid outdoorsman and adrenaline seeker, he enjoyed challenging himself, physical fitness, motorcycles, the outdoors and experiences that made him feel alive. He brought energy and enthusiasm to the things he loved and formed lasting friendships both at home and in the Army.
James also enjoyed firearms and recreational shooting, remote-control cars, working on cars, building LEGO sets and playing a variety of video games.
But through all of his accomplishments and adventures, family remained at the heart of James's life. He was a deeply loved son, brother, grandson, uncle, friend and fellow soldier. His family expected many more years of birthdays, holidays, conversations, laughter, adventures and ordinary days together. Twenty years was nowhere near enough.
James is survived by his parents, James R. Peasel Sr. and Holly (Terence) Harris; his sisters, Kylei (Tony) Alvarez, Megan Peasel, Jordan (Sebastian) Hommes, Gracilyn Peasel, Kimberlee Peasel and Victoria Peasel; as well as his nephews, niece, grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family members, close friends, and his brothers and sisters-in-arms.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Roberta Peasel; his great-grandparents, Charles Wayne and Patricia Waters; and his uncle, Zachary Huggins.
James will be remembered for far more than the uniform he wore or the short number of years he was given. He will live on through the stories his family tells, the memories his sisters carry, the friendships he formed, the soldiers who served beside him, and the countless reminders of him that remain in the lives of those who loved him.
His family will forever be proud of the young man and soldier he became.
A visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Martin Funeral Home in Marthasville, MO, from 10:00AM-12:00PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00PM. James will be laid to rest at Wildey Cemetery in Washington, MO. Memorial donations may be given to the Foundation of the Old Guard. Online condolences may be given at martinfunerals.net.