Nathanael Blue Iliff

Nathanael Blue Iliff, age 17, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away at Children’s Mercy Hospital, succumbing to a long and painful battle with the sequelae of untreated severe newborn jaundice - kernicterus. A visitation and memorial service will be held at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO, on Friday, July 28th; Visitation at 5 p.m. and Memorial Service at 6 p.m.

Blue was born on August 26th, 2005 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Miriam Iliff and John Iliff. His family then moved to Overland Park, Kansas in 2014. Blue attended Mary McArthur Elementary (Fayetteville, NC), Morse Elementary (OP, KS), Aubry Bend Middle School, and Blue Valley Southwest High school.

Blue’s battle with kernicterus began when he was 9 days old. The hospital and pediatrician entrusted with his care diagnosed his jaundice, but discounted its dangers. They allowed it to continue elevating unmonitored in spite of continued visits and inquiries from his parents. At day 9, Blue’s life was altered as the jaundice became so elevated that it would have taken his life without an emergency double blood exchange transfusion. Blue was left with a condition called kernicterus. In the aftermath, kernicterus affected his muscle control, hearing, digestion, vision… every faculty except for his intellect.

Blue was an exceptional young man who touched hearts of everyone he came in contact with in spite of his growing number of physical ailments. He excelled in academics in spite of his communication issues. His rascally smile was engaging, his laughter was infectious, his hair and flashing blue eyes were the envy of all. He cared deeply for others, especially his peers who were also struggling with limited abilities. He loved watching movies (Transformers, Avengers, King Kong, Lord of the Rings) and watching his Dad, family and friends play Xbox. He loved nature, fast cars, motorcycles, and was game for any adventure. Most importantly he loved Jesus and was looking forward to the day when his body would be made perfect again.

Blue is survived by mother, Miriam (Mitchum) Iliff; father, John Iliff; his two sisters, Miriam Anne Iliff and Kathryn Grace Iliff; grandparents, Miriam Mitchum and Scott Mitchum, of Fort McCoy, Florida; grandparents; Sally Iliff and Stephen Iliff, of Hoyt, Kansas; Best Friend - Holly Bolick; many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Nathanael Blue Fund - a charitable fund dedicated to enriching the lives of those living with disability and kernicterus prevention and research here: https://gkccf.kimbia.com/blue50

A visitation and memorial service will be held at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO on Friday, July 28th; Visitation at 5pm and Memorial Service at 6pm. In honor of Blue, please don your favorite superhero shirts and accessories. Kids in costume encouraged!

Fond expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com for the Iliff family.