Paul Robert James

Whether visiting Branson with his kids and grandkids, working at General Motors or making stained glass, Paul James enjoyed life. He was a hard worker who took care of his family and shared his humor and generous spirit with everyone he met. That spirit remains despite his passing on October 27, 2022 at the age of 90.

Paul was born on September 16, 1932 to Julian Mull James and Evelyn Hathhorn James. He attended East High School and Central Missouri State College (now UCM), where he received his business degree in 1953. He married his wife Betty on June 13, 1953 before shipping out to Korea. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army until 1956 and for 8 more years as a reservist. After returning home from Korea, Paul and Betty welcomed daughter Suzie and son Bob.

Following graduation, he answered a blind job advertisement only to discover he was applying to work for GM where both his father and uncle had worked. Paul set an example at GM with his work ethic, leadership and expertise. He helped develop the first microchips for cars and remembered taking on sandbagging duties during the Leeds flooding. In 1985, as a Quality Control Supervisor, Paul retired from GM having only missed two days of work during his 34-year tenure. Following retirement, he was active in the GM retiree’s club and ran into friends and colleagues from the company wherever he went for the rest of his life.

After Betty’s death in 1991, Paul experienced renewal and excitement through his new “job” of grandpa. He supported his grandchildren in their activities just as he had done with his children. From babysitting to attending hockey games and school plays to starting a 20-year tradition of Christmas in Branson, Paul was a proud and involved father and grandfather. When he married Rosemary Smith in 1992, he also enjoyed time with her children Phillip and Allyson.

In addition to family time, Paul liked fishing, making stained glass and bluegrass music. He looked forward to watching the Cajun Connection in Silver Dollar City and was an avid fan of MU Tiger basketball. As a lifelong member of Blue Ridge United Methodist church, he also went on mission trips to the Redbird Mission in Kentucky. After meeting Dotty Robb volunteering at Park Lane Hospital, they enjoyed traveling to Colorado, South Dakota, the Caribbean and Alaska. In 2008 as a prostate cancer survivor, he and son Bob, took a special trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. When at home, Paul kept active by walking up at local churches and malls and sharing family history stories with granddaughter Megan.

As a father, grandpa and friend, Paul James spent a lifetime caring for others. He will be missed but not forgotten and always loved.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, brother John M. James, and his first wife Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Vogel James. He is survived by his companion Dotty Robb; his children Bob James (wife Cathy) and Suzie James and his grandchildren Megan Blystone (husband Wallace) and Craig James.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Developmentally Disabled (9150 East 41st Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113) or City Union Mission (1100 E 11th St, Kansas City, MO 64106).