James LeRoy Wasko

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Wasko and his beloved wife, Norma Wasko. He is survived by his children, Cher Hinojosa, Melissa Bellis (Shawn), Shaun (Megan), his 12 grandchildren, Austin, Preston, Addison (Joel), Landry, Savannah, Charlotte, Aurora, Eden, Andrew & August + 6 Great-Grandchildren, Aidan, Ava, Callan, Athena, JJ & Bear.

James was born on August 18, 1943 in Kansas City, Kansas and was the only child of John & Dorothy Wasko. He attended Wyandotte High School, Kansas City, KS and University of Kansas. He graduated with a BS in business and accounting on 6/6/66. James was drafted into the Army and served in Germany during the Vietnam War starting in 1968. James was a Land Developer and helped to create some amazing neighborhoods and communities in the Kansas City area.

James and Norma met in North Carolina, moved to Florida then Ohio and back to Kansas. Then they were married at City Hall on November 18, 1977. In 1985 they built their dream home in Overland Park, Kansas. They had 2 daughters and 1 son, Cher Yvonne, Melissa Stanton and Shaun Michael.

James loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandkids. He was an avid KU fan! He always came to support his grandchildren’s activities. You would often see him at his granddaughters dance competitions and his grandsons sports to cheer them on!

He was such a big part of the Boy Scouts Troop 10 and was an incredible role model for so many. The camping and fishing trips were his favorites. 20+ Years as a Scouting Leader and achieved The Silver Beaver Award. James was there to watch his son and some of his grandsons achieve Eagle. Reaching the White Paint of a Sachem in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

One of our favorite memories of him is when people would ask how to spell his last name. He would say “Was with a Knock Out – WASKO”

In lieu of sending flowers you can donate to the Boy Scouts of America in James Wasko’s name.

A Memorial Visitation will be from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, Sunday, September 13, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Jim’s Life with Mic-O-Say and Military Honors at 2:00pm at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131