James "Jim" R. Runyan

James “Jim” R. Runyan, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother lost his courageous battle with viral pneumonia on Sunday, July 22, 2012. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. followed by memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road. Jim was born June 22, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri to Homer and Erma Runyan. He attended Horace Mann Elementary School and Manual High School. In 1955 Jim enlisted in the Air Force and in 1956 he married the love of his life, Muriel Wright. They were blessed with four wonderful children and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on July 20, 2012. While Jim was in the Air Force they felt privileged to serve at various airbases across the United States and overseas. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1978 after 23 years of honorable and distinguished service. After his retirement Jim attended DeVry University obtaining a degree in engineering in 1984. He then went to work for Allied Signal where he worked until his retirement in 2002. Jim was active in the Boy Scouts of America while his sons were growing up and served in many capacities and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. In 1972 he joined the Masonic Lodge in Gila Bend, Arizona. In 1989 he joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Missouri and the Ararat Shrine Temple. Jim was very active in the Shrine holding numerous positions, Chief Potentates Aide in 2007, Assistant Director of Uniformed Units, and was a longtime member of the Greeters Unit. He was always working for the benefit of children. Jim is survived by his wife Muriel; three sons Rick (Lynn), Arlington, Texas, Steven (Judy), Roundrock, Texas, and Jerry (Laura), Kansas City, Missouri; daughter Sandra, Grandview, Missouri; five granddaughters Susan, Sarah, Jewel, Jackie and Bailey; two stepgrandsons Hunter and Sam (Stephanie); and two stepgreat-grandchildren Calvin and Alyssia. He is also survived by his brothers Jerry Runyan (Ruth) and Jim Butcher (Linda); sister Virginia Mae Schumann; and a large extended family and too many friends to count. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ararat Shrine Cornerstone Fund, 5100 Ararat Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, 64129.