James "Jim" William Janouschek

James W (Jim) Janouschek was born November 16, 1944 to James N. and Nelcelia (Knapp) Janouschek. His early childhood was spent playing on family farms and being doted on by his loving parents. The family, including siblings Linda and Mike, moved to Shawnee and Jim spent his days playing baseball with the neighborhood kids and in organized leagues. His father had been a ball player and umpire, so Jim enjoying the sport was a given. Sometime in his childhood, he also picked up the bug for bowling; this one would follow him for a lifetime.

Jim graduated in 1962 from St. Joseph High School. As a young adult, he umpired for baseball and softball and enjoyed bowling in many leagues. In July 1967, while bowling at Mission Bowl, he met Jackie Zeigler and was immediately smitten. After convincing her father it was ok to have two sons-in-law that could beat him at bowling, Jim and Jackie were married October 7, 1967. Yes, three months after they met. It was a love story that would endure for 53 years.

In 1969, Jim and Jackie welcomed their first child, son James Jr. (JW). Jim reveled in being a father and worked hard to provide for his young family. A few years later, they welcomed daughter Joan, and their family was complete. The family lived in a small, loving house that became the neighborhood hangout. All the kids knew they were always welcome at Mr. & Mrs. J’s house.

As his children became adults, their relationship with him became one of very close friendship. JW and Jim enjoyed bowling many leagues together over the years. Jim and Joan would often take on fix-it projects together and eventually learned to do it without arguing. In 2004, within a couple weeks, Jim had his first 300 game and both his kids shot 299. This is a memory they talked of often.

Jim was most proud of his family, his wife and kids. And then, he became a grandpa. His grandsons were the apples of his eye. He enjoyed being able to be there every Saturday morning to watch and encourage Andrew during league. To go to concerts to see Andrew play his saxophone. He was proud to watch Justin as he bowled in high school bowling and Justin and Grandpa enjoyed a great friendship as they worked together the last few years.

The absolute epitome of a people person, Jim spent years in various retail positions. He loved to meet and talk to people. He was quick with a smile and a story, and if you needed it, a helping hand. He tried to retire, but quickly grew bored and joined the Olathe Lanes East staff. He just needed people, he needed to be able to talk and offer a smile. He wasn’t built for sitting at home.

In recent years, he was able to travel to Washington DC, to Las Vegas, Syracuse, and a couple trips to Portland, OR with family. And, shorter trips to Branson with his sister and her husband. He never missed a family gathering and enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews go on to have their own families and was there to celebrate milestones for them and his great nieces and nephews.

Jim is survived by: Wife, Jackie; Son, JW; Daughter, Joan (Eric); Grandsons, Justin and Andrew; Sister, Linda (Jim); Brother, Mike (Connie); and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other family, and a myriad of friends. He loved you all.