James "Jim" D. Gillespie

Jim was born on February 14, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of Glenn H. and Clara Elizabeth (Blackwell) Gillespie. He grew up in Independence, Missouri. He attended Lee's Summit High School. Jim worked as a short order cook at the age of 16. Following his stint as a chef he worked on the line for Leed's General Motors (Fisher Body) for 30 years. He was a member of the UAW and a committee man.

He was married to Judy Robnett on April 2, 1960 at Roanoke Baptist Church. They had two sons together, Robby and Ronald.

Jim was preceded in death by parents Glenn and Clara, brother Robert, wife Judy, and son Robby.

He is survived by his son Ronald (Ronny) Gillespie and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Gailen Gillespie (Andrea), Kristina Grimmett (Jeremy), Robin Gillespie, and Rachel Gillespie (Lake); great-grandchildren Lucy, Khole, Lincoln, Everly, Adrien, Abigail, Karlie, and Kinley; sister-in-law Polly Robnett; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Wayside Waifs.