James Creighton Deeter

Jim was born in Kansas City in 1930 to Harry and Creighton Deeter. He graduated from Manual High School and in his youth was a lifeguard at Swope Park pool. He was a superb swimmer, and his lifelong best friend, Richard Brockman, recently commented he could never keep up with Jim.

Jim became an Eagle Scout and was accepted into Mic-O-Say (Boy Scouting Program) out of high school, then proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1951-1954. He rose to the rank of Damage Control Third Class and served on the USS Fern as channel management and rescue on the Mississippi river.

During Jim’s service with the Coast Guard, he and Patricia married in 1952 in Kansas City.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Production Management from the University of Missouri in 1959. His extensive engineering career took him from Missouri to Pennsylvania, to Illinois, and eventually back to the Kansas City area where he and Pat were happy to again be close to family and friends.

Following retirement, Jim launched several successful businesses and spent time spoiling his grandchildren. Additionally, Jim and Patricia traveled the world, visiting more than 56 countries. They traveled three oceans and embraced the wonders of places like the Cape of Good Hope, the pyramids in Egypt, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Great Wall of China. Jim was an enthusiastic historian, and he diplomatically corrected guides if they misspoke about an important detail. Jim instilled in his family a lifelong love of learning.

Jim’s hobbies included cooking elaborate meals from global cuisine (including dishes such as “Ants Climbing a Tree”) and also enjoyed stone polishing and jewelry making. When his children were in high school, he turned the basement into a kimchi canning workshop, and the family ate kimchi periodically for many years. Jim was a master of spices, and he consistently shocked restaurateurs by requesting the strongest level of spice available.

Jim was a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 2 on 40 Highway in Kansas City, where he often enjoyed a night of music and conversation with his wife and friends. He was also a member of the American Legion, Ararat Shrine, and the Lake Jacomo Sailing Club. He and his son, Kip, spent countless hours discussing sailing and working on sailboats.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Deeter, son Kip Deeter [Michele Deeter], and daughter Sheri Deeter [David Watson]. His son, Jay Deeter, preceded Jim in death in 1997. Jim enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren; Christina Deeter, Joshua Deeter, Ame Patrick [Michael Patrick], Caden Deeter, Alec Deeter and one great grandchild, Colten Patrick.

The Deeter family would also like to thank RN Michelle Stover and her care team along with Luminos Hospice for the care they offered Jim and the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the DAV at 40 Hwy, Kansas City, MO.