James Truman Volskay
December 3, 1934 - April 25, 2026
James Truman Volskay Obituary
Carthage - James Truman Volskay, 91, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home with his
loving family nearby. Truman was born on December 3, 1934, in Springfield, Missouri, to Otto
and Goldie (Bird) Volskay. After graduating from Central High School, he attended Southwest
Missouri State College and Graceland College, then received his teaching degree from
Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield. He taught junior high math in Springfield for a
short time then joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. After his service
in the Army, he taught junior high math in Las Cruces, NM.
Through his best friend, Truman met his future wife Delma Jean Allen of Seneca, MO. They were married in Carthage, MO on June 6, 1964. They both taught in New Mexico then moved to Columbia, MO to pursue higher degrees in education.
James Truman Volskay earned his Master's degree then PhD in Psychology. Truman, Delma and their oldest daughter, Delinda, moved to Carthage in 1969. Dr. Volskay joined the faculty in the Psychology Department at Missouri Southern College then Missouri Southern State College from 1969 to 1997. During his tenure there, he was Department Head for several years and taught many students who went on to teach in the four-state area.
Truman was an Elder in the Carthage Restoration Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ. In his
younger years, he attended church camps and Reunions at the RLDS campground near Racine,
MO. He started attending Reunions with his family and camps as a youth then continued as a
counselor guiding many young people. He also was invited to speak in all of the local RLDS
branches and still resides in the memories of those who heard him speak.
In his free time, he served as a 4-H photography project leader and helped make ice cream during Goat Days. He loved taking pictures and traveling for family summer trips.
Truman is survived by his wife Delma of the home, and two daughters, Delinda Volskay (Kreg
Levengood) of Diamond and Allena Yates (John) of Centerview; 10 grandchildren, Isaac,
Stephen, Charles, Robert, Theresa, and Peter Yates, Julia Schoff (Eric), Andrea Levengood and
Jeremy Taylor, Zachery Levengood (Lauren), and Emma Martens (Jason); and 2 great-
grandchildren, Elijah and Sam Schoff.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Edna Volskay (1992); his parents, Otto and Goldie
Volskay; three brothers, Victor, Dale, and Henry Volskay; and one sister, Martina Spencer.
Truman's family would like to say a special thank you to the people at Home Instead for their
excellent care of Truman for several years.
There will be a funeral service for Truman at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Ulmer
Funeral Home in Carthage. The visitation will be held the evening before from 6:00 to 7:00 PM
on Monday, May 4, at Ulmer Funeral Home. The burial will take place at Fullerton Cemetery
south of Carthage, immediately following the service.
Online condolences may be posted at www.ulmerfh.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
Carthage - James Truman Volskay, 91, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home with his
loving family nearby. Truman was born on December 3, 1934, in Springfield, Missouri, to Otto
and Goldie (Bird) Volskay. After graduating from Central High School, he attended Southwest
Missouri State College and Graceland College
Published on May 1, 2026
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