JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors revoked the entity licenses of James & Gahr Mortuary, located in Rolla and St. James, and Dent County Memorial Chapel, located in Salem, by the issuance of its September 22, 2026, disciplinary order.
The revocation of the entity licenses included both the funeral establishment licenses and preneed licenses. The individual funeral profession licenses held by Donn and Connie James were also revoked.
This action was taken due to violations of Missouri laws related to the management of preneed contracts and funds, failure to maintain a business registration with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office (Salem location) and failure to adhere to the terms of a probationary agreement with the state board.
On October 20, 2026, the Circuit Court of Dent County stayed the board’s order for revocation of the entity licenses of James & Gahr Mortuary located in Rolla and St. James and the entity license of Dent County Memorial Chapel in Salem. The order also stayed the revocation of the individual licenses of Donn and Connie James.
This means that the funeral establishments can continue to operate at this time. However, the stay order requires a new funeral director in charge to be appointed to direct operations at all three locations.
Additionally, the court's stay order places the conditions outlined in the board’s original revocation order on hold, including the requirement to transfer existing preneed contracts to another Missouri-licensed seller. The stay order will remain in place until the court decides on the licensee’s appeal of the board’s disciplinary order.
Purchasers or next of kin may reach out directly to James & Gahr Mortuary to discuss questions, concerns and/or options about their existing preneed contracts.
The State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors is the state agency that regulates the funeral profession in Missouri. In addition, the board issues individual and entity licenses within the funeral profession, sets policy regarding the practice within the profession, investigates complaints concerning individuals and entities, and takes disciplinary action against funeral profession licensees when appropriate.