James W. "Jay" Brewer

James W “Jay” Brewer, 93, North Kansas City, passed away Dec. 21, 2014 at NorthCare Hospice House. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 27 at 10:00 AM at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road. Visitation at the same location will be Friday, Dec. 26 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and will include a Masonic Service. Burial will be at Terrace Park Cemetery.

Jay was born Feb. 11, 1921 to James R. and Susie Brewer in Platte County, MO. The family moved to North Kansas City when he was nine years old. Shortly after he joined the Army, he married the former Doris Chamberlain. They enjoyed 62 years together before she passed in 2004. He still lived in the house he built for her in 1951 in North Kansas City.

Jay was a fixture in North Kansas City. After the Army, he was a meat cutter. He owned “The Little Store” on 21st and Knox for six years before “retirement.” He then embarked on a 34 year career as City Collector for North Kansas City, where he worked until his recent illness.

He was a 50-year member of Alpha 659 Masonic Lodge, a 50-year member of Order of Eastern Star Alpha 507, an 83 year member of First United Methodist Church in NKC, a member of the North Kansas City Historical Society, honored in the North Kansas City High School Hall of Fame in 2004 and was given the Key to the City of North Kansas City in 2009.

Jay is preceded in death by his beloved wife and parents. He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Jim) Burton, a granddaughter Debora (Dan) Compton, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to First United Methodist Church in North Kansas City or NorthCare Hospice. Arr. McGilley Antioch Chapel.