James Monroe Malugen, 80 years old, of Charleston, Missouri died on December 11, 2017 in the Lutheran Hospice House in Cape Girardeau, after a long hard battle with cancer.

He was born, December 30, 1936, in Caruthersville, MO to Guffrie and Gertrude Malugen. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Joan Blair and Erma Jean and two of his brothers, Johnny and Junior Malugen. He is survived by his younger brothers, Warren and Wayne Malugen.

James and Carol Ferrell Malugen were married on January 10, 1965 in Charleston, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Carol and his son Mark, his wife Jennifer and their children Tessa, Mark II, Morgan and Cole; and his son Jamie, his wife Crystal and their sons Tyler and Toby; and one great-granddaughter Blakelee Malugen.

James was a graduate of Potosi High School. His first employment was with Missouri State Highway Patrol as a driving instructor. He then received his Bachelor's degree in Education at Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau.

While serving in the Army, from May 1960-May 1966, James was a Communication Specialist Class 4. He served 2 years of active duty, 2 years of active reserve, and 2 years of inactive reserve. While serving in Germany, James was in charge of cryptology.

After obtaining his degrees James began teaching. He taught elementary school at Richwoods Elementary, K-14 Elementary and Potosi Elementary for a total of 32 years. During his years in education he also coached girl's and boy's tennis for a total of 15 years.

James was also a pastor at Bellview Presbyterian Church in Caldonia, Missouri for 31 years and he preached at First Christian Church in Charleston, MO for the last 11 years of his life. Always serving, James Malugen embodied the message of Mark 10:45 "For even the son of man came to serve and not to be served."

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December, 14, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until services time 1:00 p.m. at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Missouri. Martin Lucas, Rev. Gerald Penn and the Rev. Robert Webster, will officiate.

Burial will follow the service at IOOF Cemetery in Charleston, Missouri, with military graveside rites provided by the Missouri Military Honors Program.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to: The Charleston Nutrition Center, 205 W. Commercial St., Charleston, MO 63834