Surrounded by his family, James (Jim) Walter Oliver, Sr., passed away peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Jim was born to Walter and Annie Oliver on September 27th, 1936, in Weston, MO, later moving to Cummings, KS, where he attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. After his high school graduation from Atchison County Community High School in 1955, Jim served with pride in the United States Air Force.
Jim met the love of his life, Catherine (Cathy) Pickman, and they were married for 63 years before his passing. Together, they raised their family of four children in Kansas City, KS, and were devout members of St. Patrick’s Church and school, where Jim was active with the church’s Green Club for over 26 years. After working at Smith-Corona Marchant company, Jim and Cathy founded their business, Oliver Office Machines, where Jim worked until he proudly retired at the age of 81. He served large and small businesses across the Kansas City Metro and was among the region’s last typewriter repairmen. Jim and Cathy later moved to Basehor, KS, and became members of Holy Angels parish.
Jim grew up working the family farm and later he and his two brothers purchased the property where they had been raised. The diversified operation, which included raising cattle, crops, and growing tobacco, was a labor of love that filled Jim’s weekends throughout his life, often with his kids by his side. The tobacco barn was the site of both hard work and legendary shenanigans! When not working on office machines or tending the farm, Jim enjoyed playing cards with his family and was a notorious practical joker, known for his sense of humor and infectious laughter to all who knew him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Kenneth and Harold Oliver; and his sisters, Muriel Reiley and Carolyn Zeit.
Jim is survived by his wife, Cathy; their four children, James Oliver Jr. (Kimberly), Joe Oliver (Michelle), Jane Wohletz (Jerry), and John Oliver (Leigh); as well as 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, whom he loved dearly: two sisters, Martha Griffin, Mary “Judy” Smith; and his sister-in-law, Mary Oliver.
Jim’s life was one of quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering devotion to those around him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15438 Leavenworth Rd, Basehor, Kansas 66007, on April 25, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, followed by Mass at the same location on April 25, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Committal will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112, on April 25, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm, with final resting at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112.
