John Edward Redford

He was an extraordinary and much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind his wife Aleta (nee Bluhm); daughters Amy West, Amanda Redford and Alexa McCue; sons-in-law JD West, Patrick Crean and Sean McCue; grandchildren Bailey West, Alex West, Jesse West, Darby Thomas McCue and Rowan McCue; and many lifelong friends.

John was born in Independence, Missouri on June 18th, 1944 to Edward Witte Redford and Marjorie White Redford. His start in life was not the easiest. His father was killed in World War 2 several days before his birth, and his mother developed a life-threatening illness while John was still an infant. He was left in the care of his paternal grandparents, who raised him on their dairy farm in Independence. Perhaps the most influential person in his youth was his grandmother, Bessie Redford. Early on, she recognized John’s unique intelligence and creative abilities and ensured he received the education that would allow him to cultivate his gifts. She also loved politics and was a lifelong friend of former president Harry Truman. John spoke often of his frequent boyhood visits to the Truman home with “Granny” following Truman’s presidency and his return to Independence.

John graduated from Raytown High School in 1962, followed by undergraduate degree in philosophy, graduate in mathematics and statistics and doctoral work in mathematics--all at UMKC. He held many different jobs in his long career--but at heart was always an entrepreneur. He worked his way through graduate school as a self-employed roofer under the banner “PhD Roofing”. John had a lifelong love of motorcycles and cars--and in the early ‘70s designed and patented the first hardtop for Jeeps called the Tanktop. The Tanktop was the first of his three patents and still has a social media cult following among Jeep lovers today. Later in life, he indulged his love of parrots and designed and patented products to improve the lives of captive birds. John started his corporate career in Kansas City, where he worked as an actuary. A job opportunity took him to Chicago for many years, where he met his wife Aleta, and worked in various technology-related positions in operations and data management. Later in his career, he became a much sought-after consultant in the area of data architecture, working for a wide range of clients and industries. He returned to his roots in Kansas City five years ago to be closer to family and friends, retiring just a year and a half ago in January 2021.

John was truly a Renaissance man--with a wide range of interests and passions--from vintage cars and trucks to woodworking to astronomy to all things nature. He was a builder—always with a project and always designing and looking for better ways to do things. His last big project was the meticulous restoration of an old Ford truck—a ten-year labor of love.

Those of us who knew John well would describe him as “one of a kind”. Brilliant for sure, immensely creative, loyal, adventurous, with a sense of humor that never quit. But it was his huge capacity to love that will be remembered most. He achieved much in his life but considered his greatest achievement to be his daughters and grandchildren. He leaves behind wonderful memories--and a legacy that lives on in all of us.

We are all so grateful for time we had with him before he passed. For several days before he left this earth, his illness took a pause, and he was able to reminisce and feel the love of his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and friends surrounding his bed. Some of his final words were “It doesn’t get better than this”. Indeed it doesn’t. We love you John--Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Friend. Thank you for all you’ve given us.

A celebration of John’s life will be held in the near future at a date and place to be announced--after the family has had some time to grieve. Friends wishing to send flowers are asked instead to make a donation in John’s name to the Kansas City Art Institute.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Redford family.