James Robert Courtwright

James “Jim” Robert Courtwright, of Tonganoxie, Kansas passed away on August 7th, 2019. He was 83 years old. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 14th, 2019 from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. In lieu of flowers, the memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to: Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road Southwest, Lilburn, GA 30047, or online at LBD.org.

Jim was born on November 21st, 1935 in Aleppo, Pennsylvania to Thomas and Ethel Courtwright. He graduated from West Greene High School with the Class of 1955. After high school, Jim joined the United States Army and served his country for two years overseas in Germany.

Jim work for several different companies including Grey Brother’s Construction for 11 years and J.R. Courtwright as a builder for 20 years. He spent 27 years as a Fire Fighter and Captain, for the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department. Jim was a member of the International Association of Firefighters, IAFF, and attended the Covenant Baptist Church.

Jim took pleasure in raising chickens, fishing, being a gentleman farmer, football, NASCAR racing, country music, and Suzie, his constant companion dog. He was always singing, making up his own words to make other’s laugh. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His happiness is contagious to anyone that could see the glisten in his deep blue eyes. He was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Lawrence and Ethel Marie (Glover) Courtwright; maternal grandparents, Joseph Henry Glover and Lucy Belle (Hunter [birth]) (Davis [adopted]) Glover; paternal grandparents, William Thomas and Sarah Ellen (Pettit) Courtwright; brothers, Bert Arthur Courtwright, John Thomas Courtwright, Harold Rex Courtwright; sisters, Betty Lou Courtwright and Myrtle Faye Courtwright.

Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Marie (Woods) Courtwright of Tonganoxie, KS; son Steven James Courtwright and wife Sherri Suzanne, of Independence, MO; granddaughter, Megan Jean (Courtwright) Barkwell and husband, Bryan Lee, of Independence, MO; grandson, Steven Cole Courtwright of Independence, MO; daughter, Jill Marie (Courtwright) Campbell and husband Gerald Dean of Aurora, CO; grandsons, Brandon Dean Campbell and wife Danyika of Lakewood, CO, and Tyler Robert Campbell of Aurora, CO; daughter, Joy Lynn Courtwright of Gardener, KS; brothers, Leonard Burdette Courtwright of Lawerence, KS, Herman Edward Courtwright of Ottawa, KS, Raymond Encil Courtwright of Waynesburg, PA, and Joe Courtwright of Bellaire, OH; step-daughter, Kimberlee Ann (Nelson) Martin and husband Steven Kaye of Lenexa, KS; step-granddaughter, Hillary (Martin) Snodgrass and husband Brian David of Olathe, KS; step-grandson, Blake Steven Martin of Overland Park, KS; great-granddaughter, Lily Marie Barkwell; great-grandson, Liam Cole Barkwell; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; along with many other family and friends.