Jim was born on August 7, 1924, in Trenton, Missouri, to Margaret Moore Duffy Carnes and George Smith Carnes. He spent his early years in Trenton before moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1939. There, he graduated a semester early from Ulysses S. Grant High School in January 1942. Jim went on to attend Reed College in Portland and later the University of Oregon in Eugene, continuing a lifelong love of learning that shaped both his personal and professional life.
Following his passion for the stock market, and encouraged by friendships in the industry, Jim began his career with Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith in Oregon in 1950. In 1953, he transferred to the Kansas City office, where he remained for the rest of his career and life. Over four decades at Merrill Lynch, Jim rose to the role of Assistant Vice President, building lasting relationships with clients and earning their trust through his knowledge, integrity, and steady guidance. After retiring in 1992, he remained active in the financial community, holding a seat on the Kansas City Board of Trade and trading commodities and options until its closure. Jim was always a student of the stock market and especially enjoyed technical analysis. He was also a member of the Fourth National Association Investment Club beginning in 1972.
Jim made his home in Kansas City beginning in 1953, where he built a full and meaningful life. During this time, he met the love of his life, Nancy Bodwell Carnes. They were married on April 20, 1963, and shared nearly 54 devoted years together, raising their two children, Jim and Julie. Their marriage was defined by deep companionship—they spent fewer than fifteen days apart over the course of their life together.
Jim was an engaged and active member of his community. He belonged to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and was a founding member and treasurer of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Shawnee, Kansas. He was also a member of the Shawnee Masonic Lodge (since 1960), the Kansas York Rite Bodies (including Wyandotte Commandery), the Carriage Club, the University Club, and the Lake Quivira Country Club- sailing club. Additionally, he supported the Friends of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the John Wornall House Museum, the Alexander Majors House Museum, and the Johnson County Historical Society.
Jim was also a licensed ham radio operator (call sign K0IUY), often introducing himself with humor as “I’m uglier than you.” He enjoyed connecting with people around the world and fondly remembered many of those conversations, including with George Bunting, Jack Riley, George Stone, and Earl Ebbe. He served as a Boy Scout Merit Badge Counselor and enjoyed sharing his time and knowledge with younger generations.
Jim had a wide range of interests. He was an avid reader with a remarkable vocabulary, a photographer, a car enthusiast, and a lover of classic films, especially westerns. He enjoyed understanding how things worked and often tinkered with electronics. He loved traveling, particularly by car and train, and had a deep appreciation for music, including the works of George Gershwin (especially Rhapsody in Blue), “Beyond the Sea” performed by Bobby Darin, ragtime, and big band music.
Above all, Jim will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and dedication to family. He especially cherished time with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa.” He delighted in having lunch with them, sharing stories, and teaching interested family members about the stock market he loved so much. He also treasured time with extended family, including the Bodwell siblings and their families, as well as his cousin, Anthony Hemley. His favorite holiday was Independence Day, when he could celebrate with fireworks, shooting his cannon, and gatherings with the Bunting family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and George Carnes and his wife, Nancy Bodwell Carnes. He is survived by his children, James Robert Carnes (Melissa) and Julie Carnes Hessenflow (Greg); and his six grandchildren: Oliver, Henry, and Marin Carnes, and Claire, Paige, and Grace Hessenflow.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 5, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113). A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grundy County Jewett Norris Library (1331 Main Street, Trenton, MO 64683) or Shriners Children’s Hospital (P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394).
