About Us | James & Gahr Mortuary

History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

The James and Gahr tradition began in 1970 when Donn James entered into partnership with Jesse Gahr, in St. James. The establishment was renamed James and Gahr Mortuary. In 1971, the Blackwell Funeral Home was purchased in Salem. In 2000, a third location was opened in Rolla. The mortuaries are owned and operated solely by Donn James family. In 1974 a trust company was formed. The trust allows for the purchase of pre-arranged funeral services through monthly payments. In addition to the other quality services offered by James and Gahr Mortuary, we also provide cemetery services. Purchased in 1983, North Lawn was the first of its kind in the area to incorporate a cemetery and mortuary, simplifying arrangements. This combination means peace of mind for your family by guaranteeing a quality service from the visitation to the graveside.

The compassionate care-givers at James and Gahr are committed to serving the people of this community with respect. Looking to the future and building a better tomorrow is what caring service is all about at James and Gahr Mortuaries. 


Our Valued Staff

Kristain James

Kristain James "Cowboy", Funeral Assistant

Kristain "Cowboy" is the son of Donn and Connie James, he is a 2014 graduate of Salem Senior High School. He has worked weekends and summers at all locations. He has work many summers mowing and weed eating the North Lawn Cemetery. He is going to attend Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri in the fall of 2014, where he will play baseball. Hopefully returning to the "family" business after college.


Julie Viessman MacCash

Julie Viessman MacCash, Funeral Assistant

Daughter of Tony and Jan Viessman, Julie has lived in Rolla since 1971. Married to Rusty MacCash since 1997. She has two wonderful sons, Ryan and Adam Dillon who both currently reside in Washington DC. She is a 1980 graduate of Rolla High School and attended University of Missouri Rolla. Julie owned and operated Forum Cleaners for 21 years, the former Director of the Phelps County Retired Senior Volunteer Program. She is currently President of Advisory Council at the Rolla Nutrition Site, and volunteers at the Rolla Apartments. She loves her four legged kids which include 5 dogs and 3 cats. Her hobbies include spending time with family and friends.


Kristin Williams

Kristin Williams, Licenced Pre-need Agent/Funeral Director Apprentice/Office

Kristin is the daughter of Donn & Connie James and Clifton and Ruth Williams,she is a 1998 graduate of Salem High School. Kristin lives in Rolla and has two children, Jaden who is 11 and Cash is 6. They enjoy sports and going to the river in the summer. Jaden loves gymnastics and attends Flip Flops. Cash loves his pony "Tony" and rides in the Salem Saddle Club Shows. Kristin enjoys crafting, and is a great baker, and foodie. Her gooey butter cakes are well know around town.


Benjamin L. Lunceford

Benjamin L. Lunceford, Driver/ Car Attendant

Benjamin was born in Rolla. His parents are Carol and Gary Lunceford. He is a 2003 graduate of Belle High School, and attended college in Houston, TX for Automotive Technologies. After moving back to Rolla he went to work at Denny Ford until 2011. He than went back to school to obtain his Peace Officers License and now works full time with the Phelps County Sheriff Department. At James & Gahr his duties include transportation and vehicle cleaning and detailing (which he is very good at).


Steve Pool

Steve Pool, Licenced Embalmer/Funeral Director

Steve lives in Salem with his wife Laura. They enjoy horseback riding, and are very active in the Dent County Saddle Club. He is the announcer at the horse shows.


Donn James

Donn James, Owner/Funeral Director/ Embalmer

Donn is a graduate of Vienna High School; Lincoln University in Jefferson City; Drury College in Springfield where he earned a Masters Degree in Secondary School Administration, and a 1970 graduate of Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, ranking third in his class. He is a former Basketball Coach. He bought the St. James funeral home in 1970, Salem in 1973 and built Rolla in 2000. Donn lives in Salem with his wife Connie. They have Donn James Quarter Horse Farm, he has instilled the love of horses with his grandchildren.