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Jim Shanks Obituary
Jim Chester Shanks
January 22, 1944 - March 29, 2025
Jim Chester Shanks, 81, passed away peacefully at home on March 29th after a long fight with cancer. Jim was the only son of Jim and Nina Shanks who preceded him in death. He was born and raised in North Kansas City, Mo. Jim attended NKC High School. He earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Kansas to play football and baseball. He was the captain of the KU baseball team.
He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, and they had one son, Jim David. It broke Jim's heart when Jim David passed away unexpectedly in December 2023. His son was the pride of his life. Jim enjoyed coaching his son's baseball team from t-ball on up. They went to the Little League World Series twice. Sports were very important to him throughout his life.
After college, Jim coached football and baseball at Parkhill High School. He owned a water construction business with his Father and uncles. For 25 years he was the National Sales Manager for a dental sales company from which he retired.
He spent the last 20 years in Green Valley, AZ. Jim was an avid golfer and loved playing with his friends at the Country Club of Green Valley. He was Club Champion 3 times. He had 12 holes-in-one over the years.
Jim was an active member in Optimist International. He served as Governor of the West Missouri District. The motto of the Optimist clubs is "Friend of Youth." Jim called bingo many years helping his Northland Optimist Club serve the youth in his community.
Jim loved being with people. He enjoyed sitting with friends and telling stories. He will be remembered for being friendly and fair. He was a very proud man. Jim will be missed by his wife of 61 years they did most everything together. He leaves many friends, family and memories. Barbara would like to thank the Gentiva Hospice for all of their help and kindness. A special thanks to Julieanne who took such good care of Jim and made him smile every day.
There will be a "Celebration of Jim's Life" at a later time.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/gvnews/name/jim-shanks-obituary?id=58083145
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Jim Shelton (Shelton)
Morning Barbara, on This beautiful sunshiny "Celebration Day". I am very sorry to hear of your lost of your loved one, life companion, and husband, Jim. I don't believe you know me, but I knew your "Jim". I've known him since early high school when he invited me to his church youth group. And sadly, I lost track of him over years, till the reunions came about. I will always remember him as kind, outgoing, and full of life guy who enjoyed sports, and the children he coached. He had a smile for all who met him.
Barb, some oddities and/or coincidences that you don't know is; I too married a Barbara and she taught all elementary grades until she retired, therefore, once again, another Jim & Barb. The last coincidence was when I learned of your "Jim" passing on March 29th, this past year in 2025. Well, that was the exact day that I lost my wife of 28 yrs. four years ago. God Bless You and heal you and your families through these trying times. I miss him too. May you rest in peace ole friend. Take care, Jim
David Zieg
I'm kind of at a loss for words right now. I first mentJim at Northgate when I had just moved to NKC.. We spent so many hours and days together all during high school. We all know what a Super athlete and all around super guy Jim was. I saw Jim the day before he passed, and i know he was in no pain but was right with his Savior. Rest in Peace Jim and God Bless!!!
Wayne Hauschild
We spent many wonderful moments on the hardwoods and turf playing sports together. The world's a better place because of you Jim. God bless you. R.I.P.
Anita Eagle (Frevert)
Barbara, I am so sorry for your loss of Jim. He was always smiling, making jokes, and Everybody's Friend. At the 50th Reunion, I gave him a photocopy of "The Blackhawk Watlz"--we discovered in high school that our piano teachers had assigned the same challenging music to us! Jim's departure has left a void in this world, but he will always fill a special place in my heart and memory. God's blessings to you, Barbara. --Anita Eagle Frevert
Ron Carpenter
Hello Barbra, I am so said of the loss of a good man. Jim was my hero since we were in Little League at 10 year old<s. I'll never forget him telling me," you can do it Carpy". I've heard that voice and those words since then. May the Lord be with you. Love Ron (Carpy) Carpenter
Claudia Moad (Baggerly)
Jim was a friend to everyone in high school and his smiles brightened our days.
Roger Rule
The first time I remember Jim, was in our 6th grade year, playing little league baseball against his team. I was first basemen of an awful Winnwood team that happen to have a pitcher named Benny Cain, a year younger, who would go on to be North Kansas City H.S. varsity pitcher winning a scholarship.
This husky kid, Jim Shanks, came to the plate and had no trouble with Benny’s natural curve, smacking the ball easily for extra bases. I only have a few memories of that losing team: Mert McCann was an opposing pitcher that had no trouble with Winnwood that year.
I didn’t learn Jim’s name until I met him the next year in the Northgate system. Over the next few years, excluding my sojourn to Eastgate for ninth grade, I remember having several classes with him and when seated in alpha order, usually sitting next to each other. He was easy to get to know and throughout those H.S. years, we never missed saying “hi” when crossing paths in the hall. From reading everyone’s comments, I can see I missed really getting to know Jim. With golf club memberships myslef, it would have been fun sharing that commonality with him. Rest in peace, Jim.
Merton McCann
Great friend and fun to be with Played baseball against each other growing up and later football together at nkc Great ballplayer better friend My thoughts are with Barb
Elmer McCall
A Good Man and A Life Well Lived. My Hat Is Off To You Jim Shanks.