James Gardner Gatschet

James (Jim) Gardner Gatschet, 92 years old, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025 at NKC Hospice House. Jim was a beloved resident of Kansas City, Missouri for most of his life. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles W. Gatschet and Rose Marie (Budine) Gatschet on July 27, 1933. The family moved from Iowa to Missouri in early 1940. His Father was an Air Force Pilot who flew to Heaven in 1943 while engaged in WWII.

Jim was known for his passion and caring for others while he served as a Police Officer for Kansas City, Missouri for more than 30 years and as a Deputy Sheriff for Jackson County, Missouri for over 20 years. In addition, the Gatschet family owned and operated Blue Ridge Nursing Home as well as Red Bridge Nursing Home in South Kansas City. Jim assisted in the day-to-day operation of the nursing homes.

His hobbies included amateur radio, firearms, piloting airplanes, hot air balloons and gliders. They also included radio-controlled airplanes and boats and more than we’ll ever know. There was nothing that Jim couldn’t do. He belonged to several organizations throughout his lifetime, to include Quiet Birdmen (33100), NRA, NSA, IARU, ARRL, and several others. He was honored to receive the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award.

Over his lifetime he touched many hearts and lives. Though Jim was never married, two of his sweethearts were Gloria Coleman and Mary Marnett both of whom he loved dearly and preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his father, Charles, his mother Rose and his brothers Charles “Skip” and Steven.

He leaves behind his sister-in-law Barbara, his nieces Susan, Anne and nephew Charles and great nieces Rachel, Eva and Marilyn. His close friends, the Marnett and Wheeler families, whom he saw as his own family and frequently referred to the children as his grandchildren. His longtime friend Marvin Moore, fellow QBer and police officer and close friend for the past 30 years. They traveled and attended many aviation events together and loved going to the range!

His warm spirit, kind heart, and dedication to his community will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be at the McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO on Saturday, August 16. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM with the Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. A procession to Newcomer’s Floral Hills Cemetery for interment will follow immediately after the service.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and honor his remarkable life.