James "Jim" Clifford Jarrett

James Clifford Jarrett was born on August 24, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Clifford and Amy Jarrett. Jim’s love for the outdoors began in childhood and continued throughout his life. He loved fishing and water sports on Lake Lizzie in Minnesota, and annual pheasant hunting trips to Graham County, Kansas, with his father and brothers. Family trips to the Lake of the Ozarks and to northern Minnesota were highlights, and he continued these trips throughout his life. He was also involved in Boy Scouts, earning the distinction of Eagle Scout.

Jim graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1964 and then attended Kansas State University, where he graduated with a degree in political science in 1968. While at K-State, Jim noticed Kathy Kennedy in an English literature class and had a friend ask her out for him. Kathy wasn’t certain which classmate Jim was but agreed to a date. They hit it off on their first outing, a Sigma Chi fraternity party. Subsequent dates often involved going to Vista Burger for hot chocolate and fries after studying. Jim and Kathy were married on a hot summer day (July 26, 1969) in Manhattan, Kansas.

Jim attended law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, graduating in 1971. He joined Heavner, Jarrett, and Kimball, the law firm that his father helped to establish. The firm had offices in Kansas City, Cameron, Braymer, and Liberty. He enjoyed a warm friendship with law partners Bruce Heavner, Don Kimball, Ed Proctor, and Scott Gum (in addition to his father). He practiced law for over 50 years.

Jim especially enjoyed practicing law in the small town of Braymer, Missouri, on Saturdays. Meeting friends for coffee at the local café was a Saturday highlight. He had an affinity for helping rural people and farmers without access to legal advice, traveling many miles every weekend to offer his legal services. He became a well-respected and trusted community member in Braymer as well as the cities of Kansas City, Liberty, and Cameron. Jim’s law clients consistently talked about his kindness, compassion, dependability, and care. Jim was mutually regarded as an exceptional lawyer by adversaries and colleagues alike. He was instrumental in founding the Lloyd R. Wallace Charitable Foundation and served as a board member for over 20 years.

Jim and Kathy became parents in 1976 with the arrival of Jennifer. Kelly joined the family in 1979, followed by Andy in 1980. They moved from Kansas City to Liberty, Missouri, in 1980 and loved raising their kids in this community. Jim prioritized family life and loved coaching and cheering for his kids at their sporting events: cross country, track, swimming, tennis, soccer, and baseball.

Jim loved quail and pheasant hunting, fishing, and spending time in his boat on lakes in Missouri and Minnesota. An annual summer highlight was spending several weeks at Northern Pine Lodge in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Many fun memories were made with Jim at the helm of his speedboat, pulling kids (and later grandkids!) skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. He and Kathy also enjoyed time at their condo at the Lake of the Ozarks.

In his later years, Jim’s grandkids were the highlight of his world. He was often found at their sporting events, recitals, and school performances. He even became a prolific texter to keep up with his grandkids and strengthen his relationships with them. They each enjoyed their unique connection with him and his dry sense of humor. When recently asked what he most treasured, Jim replied “time with children, grandchildren, and sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, especially individually where I can see how they are doing, their interests, feelings, and aspirations.” His favorite piece of advice: “Enjoy the moments; you can’t get them back.”

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathy; his daughters Jennifer Dilts (Jason) and Kelly Harris (Wes), son Andy Jarrett (Nina); grandchildren Caroline, Lydia, and Elizabeth Dilts; Amy and Mickey Harris; Alayna McCubbin (Clayton); Caleb and Joshua Jarrett; and great-granddaughter June McCubbin. He is also survived by his brothers Richard Jarrett (Deb Menting) and Steve (Denise) Jarrett. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Amy Jarrett.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at Second Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri. The service will be live-streamed via Second Baptist’s Facebook page. The family invites everyone to an ice cream and cookie reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jim’s memory to the Lloyd R. Wallace Charitable Foundation (PO Box 37, 217 North Main, Braymer, MO 64624) or Second Baptist Church (300 East Kansas Street, Liberty, MO 64068).