He married Maxine Kinney on January 13th 1946. The couple made their home in the Kansas City area, were he built his business, AA Roofing company. He spent his free time with his five children, coaching baseball, and lending a hand to anyone with a need. In 1968, the couple bought a farm in Freeman, MO, where they raised horses, and hosted many get togethers. Jim never met a stranger, and they were always ready to welcome you into their home, even if you showed up with a bunch of people unannounced. People would show up to fish or just get away to the country and they were always welcomed. While in Freeman, there was always a big 4th of July celebration. Jim would supply the fireworks, Alva would smoke the meat, Louise would light everyone’s punks with her cigarette, while Maxine was making sure everyone had a good time. It is a tradition he eventually handed down in his family and still continues.
While in Freeman, Jim became one of the biggest Midway Vikings fans. He and Maxine rarely missed a game. When Midway was in the State Championship, they drove home in a blizzard from a Kentucky visit to his brother-in-law’s to make it to the game on time.
In 1981, Jim and Maxine sold their farm and moved to Lee’s Summit, MO. This allowed them to be closer to their older sons. They discovered a new hobby-casinos-and made many trips together to Las Vegas and the boat. They also spent a lot of time travelling to support their grandkids at their events.
Jim is survived by his children, Larry of Raytown, MO, Ronnie of Lee’s Summit, MO, Jimmy “Dugan” and wife Debbie of Raytown, MO, Susie and husband Doug of LaCygne, KS, and Jerry and his wife Justine of Pleasant Hill, MO, 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa. He gave his life to Jesus and would faithfully write out his verses and homework for Discipleship classes with a stub nose pencil on unlined paper. He taught the values of hard work, determination, kindness and compassion and had a sense of humor for which there is no adequate description. He will be dearly missed.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, Missouri. Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am to service time Saturday at the Heuser Chapel. Online condolences can be left at www.heuserfunerals.com.
