Jimmy C. James
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Jimmy C. James passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS. He was a character with character. Jim was a family man first and a proud, engaged grandfather (who went by “2pop”). He married Linda Johnson on March 20, 1971, and they had two children: Lauren Elizabeth and Mark Andrew. Jim was born to serve and dedicated much of his time, professionally and personally, to helping friends, neighbors, and strangers alike in his own loving, quiet way. He was always there with a helping hand, a smile, and often a thoughtful gift. Jim was proud of growing up in Kansas, his parents who served as educators, his career, and most of all his accomplished children.
Jim grew up in a series of Kansas towns: Toronto, Osage City, Concordia, and graduated from Emporia High School in 1959. He earned his undergraduate from the University of Kansas in 1963 and followed that with a Juris Doctorate from the KU School of Law. After passing the Kansas bar exam in 1966, he entered government service as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He served in New Orleans, LA, Shreveport, LA, Chicago, IL, Lawrence, KS, and the Kansas City Division. He enjoyed a celebrated career and was awarded annual top service accommodations before retiring in 1998.
Jim is survived by Linda James; Lauren James, Washington D.C.; Mark James, Mark’s wife Corrin and sons Ari and Nolan, Portland, OR; Sherri R. Ontjes, sister, Carrboro, N.C.; Richard F. James, brother, and wife, Marcia, Whitewater, WI. Jim wanted to serve one last time by donating his body to the KU Medical Center so there will be no funeral but a small gathering for close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the Carl A. and Frances M. James Scholarship Fund used to help children in Emporia, KS and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. You may also share memories at warrenmcelwain.com.
So sorry for your loss. Jimmy was an awesome man & popular with everyone who knew him!
So sorry for your loss. Jimmy was an awesome man & popular with everyone who knew him!
To Linda, Lauren, and Mark: Your husband and father was one of the truly nicest guys I’ve ever known. I never saw him without a smile on his face. He was also a consummate professional. Jimmy James made the world a better place by his presence in it. May he rest in peace.
Tom Murray
Linda and I were room mates in Chicago when Linda and Jimmy met. After they started dating, we soon realized that Jimmy and I shared the same birthdate,Feb.26.
As time went on Jimmy started calling me Queen Elizabeth and I in turn called Jimmy,King James. It was just a fun and silly thing to do and it made us laugh.
Linda,Lauren and Mark I will remember Jimmy fondly and always with a smile and a chuckle .
Dear Linda, Mark, & Lauren: The Junius & Mary Lou Penny Family have been great beneficiaries of Jimmie’s kindness and care. We have known Jimmie for many years, first in Emporia and then reunited here in Lawrence. He has been a truly faithful friend. He and Mark rebuilt the small tool storage building we have here in Lawrence and then Jimmie painted it along with our antique playhouse (used now by the 4th generation of Penny descendants). He would stop by and check on things when we were out of town…we miss his spontaneous visits and his genuine friendship. We are thinking of and praying for you at this time of great loss. Susan Penny Schmidt and Mary Lou Penny
Jimmy will be so greatly missed… He was a patient at the dental office I work at, and I will NEVER forget Jimmy coming in and giving me (and everyone else for that matter) a hard time! He was definitely a character, and I loved him for it! Whenever I think of him it brings a fond smile to my face. Not only was he ornery, he also had such a big heart, and he would tell me of his plans for the rest of the day which usually consisted of helping someone in one way or another with something…. He was truly one of a kind 🙂 RIP, Jimmy.