Stringer, James Benjamin "J. B."

James Benjamin Stringer, 63, shot and killed himself at the Velie Leopard Mine Nov 24, 1929, Sunday morning at 10. His act was the result of despondency over having lost his job as general ground boss about two months ago. Stringer went to the mine yesterday morning with the avowed intentions of killing Charles Burnett, present general ground boss, of Joplin Missouri. He had intimated that he held Burnett responsible for the loss of his job although men at the mill declared that Burnett had nothing to do with it. Upon his arrival, Stringer called John Alderman from the engine room and told him that he intended to shoot Burnett. Alderman tried to talk Stringer out of the notion and the two men walked toward the mill and stopped near the jack pile. Leaving him to go to his car, Alderman stopped and turned when he heard Stringer shout,"Hey, John!" He saw Stringer put the muzzle of the 32 caliber pistol to his right temple and pull the trigger. Death was instantaneous. Police officers made a quick trip to the mill where, after an investigation, the body was brought to town. County corner MacAuley and County attorney Leo Armstrong also investigated the case. Mr. Stringer, for a number of years was employed as general ground foreman by the Velie Mines Corporation. Recently he, with several friends, was interested in mining at the Louise W. Mine property.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Stringer; one daughter, Mrs. Mitchell Lane of Miami; three sons, Roy Stringer of Fort Bayard New Mexico, C. E. Stringer of Springfield Missouri, and Ted Stringer of Baxter Springs Kansas; one brother, A. J. Stringer of Bonne Terre, and two sisters, who reside in Missouri. Funeral services will be conducted at the First Baptist church in Baxter Springs at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon. The Reverend Carr of Baxter Springs will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. cemetery at Miami under direction of the Todd undertaking company, of Picher Oklahoma.