Name: Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home
Address: Kansas City, MO

Mary Lou and the Gill women - I am very sorry to read about your loss.  Jim had a dry wit and patient, decent humanity that was a model for me as I grew into adulthood.   His calm, good humor is part of how I approach both teaching and parenthood.  I appreciate all that you and your family have done for me over the years.  

Both my children had Jim Gill as principal at Leawood Middle.  He was amazing with his shown love of the children and did so much to encourage their talents and confidence.   We saw him many times at COR and always felt his warmth.   He will always have a warm place in my heart.  A wonderful man.

Nancy Cody

Dr. Gill was a  great person and principal while I attended Leawood Middle School.  ( 1986-1989) 
Dr. Gill always made an effort to greet and talk to EVERY student and make them feel special. 
Nikki 





Mary Lou and family:  I first met Jimbo in 1947 when we were in the first grade at Roosevelt Grade School in Okmulgee, OK.  He was the best friend anyone could ever hope to have.  We remained close friends for the next 75 years.  I will remember Jim every night when I hit my knees before going to bed.  I pray that God will have mercy on Jim's soul and that he enjoying his eternal reward.
Charles Fritch

I was a student at Leawood Middle School in the 90s...I swear he knew everyone by name.  Not sure how he could do that but I swear he did.  He always called me "Dorothy" after my role in the Wizard of Oz...in fact, he wrote that in my yearbook!  And when I came to visit my younger brother and sister when they were in middle school, he STILL remembered me and the nickname.  You won't be forgotten, Dr. Gill!  Sending prayers.

Dr. Gill was a dedicated professional to the field of education. He and his wife, Mary Lou, gave many years to the Blue Valley School District. His love for education was surpassed only by his love for his family. I am sorry for your loss. 
Karen Carns

So long Jimmy.  Your knuckleball was impossible to hit and for me to catch.  Your old college roomie and backstop.
                                                 RON PORTER

So sorry Mary Lou & Jennifer and the family.  We are in Arizona for the winter but our prayers reach out to you in KC

Dr. Gill was the principal who hired me for my very first teaching job, and my first time in the Blue Valley School District, at Leawood Middle School in 1983.  I can still remember being VERY nervous when I went into his office to meet with him and Bob Wilson.  Soon, however, we were laughing and sharing stories, and I felt right at home and knew I wanted to work with him and the LMS staff.  He showed such faith in me, and I credit him with building my early confidence as an educator.  I learned so much from him.  One of my funniest memories of him was when he came into my classroom for an observation and we had a student who wanted to teach us both how to moonwalk.  We, of course, both wanted to learn, and soon there was a  competition at hand, encouraged by the rest of the class. Hilarious!  He was always about kids, and you could always tell that he had a genuine love for helping them.  He also wanted them to have fun and enjoy their educational journeys. He will surely be missed.  Rest in Peace, Dr. Gill.  You were loved and respected by many.

Uncle Jim was a man of many words…words of wisdom, words of encouragement, words of laughter, words that made you think “Hmmm”!!! He always included everyone left no one behind.  Always supported me in my sporting events growing up and then continued to support my children and their sporting events. A gifted writer and keen eye for catching that “Kodak” moment God couldn’t have picked a better man to do his will on this earth. The memories will live on and the teachings will continue because he made sure he touched many and he did…RIP Uncle Jim and thank you for taking the time to care. Your Niece, Doreen

Dr. Gill was the principal at LMS while I was a student there. He was beloved by students, staff and parents.  He was the absolute best leader and educator.  Thankful to have know such a great man. I'm so sorry for your loss.

My thoughts and love are with the entire Gill family.  I’m so sad to have learned of Dr. Gill’s passing.  

Dr. Gill was my all-time favorite principal.  You see, in 1981/1982, I had the best year EVER at Leawood Middle School.  Dr. Gill was a huge part of that.   He was such a special principal and this was incredible to me.  I know I was in middle school and should have known, but maybe I was naive or something, because I had no previous experience with principals who were so amazingly approachable, positive and friendly!    I COULD NOT wait to get to school each day, first saying “hello” to the beautiful, late Dorothy Benedict at the front of the office, and then proceeding to ask her if Dr. Gill was in his office and if I could go back and say hi to him.   She’d tell me to “head on back, he’ll be happy to see you!”  I’d go back to his office and he’d always greet me with the biggest smile and wish me the best day ever.  I was so proud to know him!  And my days started better because of him!  He made all of us students feel so important, attending all of our basketball games (“take it to the hoop!”) and just making a huge impact wherever he was…..lunchroom, gymnasium, hallway, front door, or his office.  

I still have a couple letters from him after all these years (above, attached).  One was when I had the chicken pox and the other was just him being his friendly self… I have kept these items in my scrapbook of “favorite things” because I still remember how good it felt to know he cared so much.

It would be four years later, while I was in high school, that I was given the honor of writing a student letter of recommendation for Dr. Gill’s Kansas Master Teacher Award.  No one could be more deserving of that prestigious educational honor.  He truly was a rare gem, and I will greatly miss him and remember him always with the warmest thoughts in my heart.  I am so glad he was such an instrumental part of my adolescence.   It is so hard to say goodbye…

Jim Gill might be my all-time favorite principal.  I was a brand new student to Leawood Middle School way back in the fall of 1989, and I still remember him coming on the announcements and encouraging students to befriend new students in the building.  Kids like me!  Between passing periods, I still remember making my first friend when Tony invited me to sit with him at lunch.  That probably wouldn't have happened without Dr. Gill's prompting.  

But Dr. Gill took it the extra mile.  I remember him sitting in the Buck O'Neil Legacy seat at the "K" for his outreach to others.  This was proven once again when I was enduring an awful first year of teaching.  He took the time to come out to my school and sit down with me.  He just listened.  People that sit down and listen are rare these days, and as my story emptied out to him, he was able to console me and leave me with some powerful words of wisdom.

Dr. Gill, you were an amazing man, and I look forward to seeing you on the other side, sir!  You have impacted lives upon lives of students and parents, not to mention everyone in the community.  Thanks for making a difference in my life!

God bless,
Clint Daniels
Leawood Middle School 1989-1990
Indian Trail Middle School 2004-present

Jim was a dedicated educator in Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley. He truly worked to make a difference for the students and staff he touched. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

The world is a better place because Jim was here. Meridee and I experienced it at Leawood Middle as our two children (Megan first, and then Matthew) had great experiences there, and went on to be successful, responsible adults, and parents. I appreciate all that Jim did for so many students, and their parents.


Jim Gill gave me my first job as an art teacher at Leawood MS. He was so kind and encouraging to me as a young teacher.  I always felt like he had our backs (teachers) and the school environment was happy and welcoming. It was one of the best jobs I ever had. I will remember Jim with a big smile, as this was how he always was at school. He was more than a boss to his employees, he was also a friend. So many fun memories at end of the year golf tournaments or KAMAL conventions. He built a team at his campuses. 

My condolences to Mary Lou and to all of his family.

 -  Nancy Lawrence


Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  I first knew Jim when I was a social worker for the Shawnee Mission School District and later as a member of the Johnson County Association of Retired School Personnel.  I always enjoyed visiting with him and sharing experiences.  He was always friendly and willing to listen to another persons concerns. 

I met Jim in a Silver Sneakers class.  I could tell right away that he was a "people person".  He seemed to know a lot about everyone in the class!  And he was very supportive of all of us.  When he found out that I was a retired teacher (although from an out-of-state district) he immediately wanted to introduce me to the organization here.  When I mentioned that my son-in-law was a baseball fan he brought some copies of photographs he thought he might like.  Those actions and others showed how Jim loved to make connections!   I hadn't seen him lately but I just want his family to know that I value the short time that I knew him.  

Jim (Killer) Gill   I first met Jim Gill as a Shop teacher at Hillcrest Jr (in  the Fall of1969  )the Shawne Mision  School district .  Killer was a counselor and my mentor of new teachers to the building. He was a fun loving person and we hit it off right away .At this time of my life I was suffering from PTSD and Jim's counseling help me to feel positive about my Viet Nan naval service .He helped me overcome some of the gilt of retuning to normal lifestile.He Got me hooked up with Friends of the court and the school sponsered big brother. We spent many afternoons together . Jim was the best! People Person I have ever met.  Jim Gill is going to be truly Missed --.. I will definitely  be at the services.

Dr. Gill
(Aka “bulldog brother”)
I will always be grateful to Dr. Gill for hiring me back into education.
I soon discovered that middle level education was where I belonged.
It seemed that the remaining 25+ years went by swiftly.
Thank you Dr. Gill and may your spirit in heaven be well received by others who preceded you.
What a joyous celebration there will be.!!

One of my favorite things about Papa is his sense of humor and his jokes. He always made me laugh and I will miss that about him everyday. He was the greatest Papa and he cared so much about all of his grandchildren. I’ll miss his calls, his stories, and his quick wit. Love and miss you always Papa. -Claire

My favorite principal, in all my years of teaching, was Dr. Gill. He was very supportive and had excellent leadership skills. I will always remember him as a good person, a nice man, and a great friend. Lois Robb

When I think of my days in Blue Valley, a few people stand out. Jim Gill is one of them. He was a fabulous Principal, and a great guy who was loved by all. God rest your soul, Jim. 

Anne (Vratil) Hodgdon

I have such fond memories of Dr Gill at LMS
I was a PTO member and had several years working with him…he let us start Friday Knight Club and was so supportive of all our efforts!

Both of our children went to LMS under Dr. Gill’s wonderful guidance.  We have such fond memories of those years.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gill family.  Such an outstanding educator and positive influence on his students.  Keith and Mary Boyd

Jim Gill was a wonderful man. He befriended me as a young man and although I haven't seen him since I've always remembered his kindness. Much sympathy to his family during their time of loss. 

I have an abundance of respect and appreciation for Dr. Gill. His radiant smile and jovial demeanour was always welcomed. He was my masters degree mentor at MidAmerica Nazarene University for which I was grateful! He will be greatly missed, but I’ll see you again in the Lord!


Marilou, Judy, Ed & family so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good friend over the years, like family to me Fred & my Dad. Heaven certainly has a blessed man to prepare a place fir all of his loved ones. I for one will miss Jim. Sending prayers to each of you. I, we, the Hill Family cherish the memories thru Wyandotte & baseball of Jim & all the fun times.God bless Nancy Hill Luikart, Jay Deane & entire Hill Family RIP dear friend.

Jim never met a child or adult that he could not relate to! He always found a way to create discussions which were more about you than himself.
A professional educator who ALWAYS put what was best for children before anything or anyone else!
Thank you for showing your "strength" all along your career and life in general!

OBITUARY

Jim Gill

5 April, 1941 – 3 February, 2022

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home & Mount Moriah Cemetery South

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