James Patrick Cannon

James Patrick Cannon, age 65, of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. James never wavered in his faith and trust in God, or in his belief in a heavenly afterlife. A unique and caring individual, devoted to his family and friends, James touched the lives of all who knew him.

James was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to John and Gloria Cannon, and was the oldest of four children. At age 11, he moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri. In his youth, James enjoyed playing outdoors with his brother and sisters, the Cub Scouts, building models, and playing ping pong. He also played on his dad’s 3&2 baseball and parochial football teams.

James was a collector of many things: coins, autographs (sports players to movie stars), political campaign buttons and Zippos. He was passionate about cars and an ardent fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, taking pleasure in watching their World Series and Super Bowl games with family and friends. He enjoyed Classic Rock and Roll, playing pick-up basketball and golf, and creative writing. James had the personality to engage in conversation with any stranger, and a knack for storytelling.

James graduated from Center High School in Kansas City, where he played on the varsity basketball team that won the State Championship in 1976. He received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

James met his beautiful wife Kristine Donelson at Hitters Sports Bar in Kansas City, Missouri. They had three children together, and a blessed, loving marriage for 32 years. The two of them raised their family in Kansas City until 2014, eventually moving to Prairie Village, Kansas, where they made their home until his death. James enjoyed coaching his kids in various sports (YMCA basketball, tackle football, and 3&2 baseball) and traveling to Branson, Missouri, with his family.

James was a medical malpractice and personal injury lawyer with Montee Law Firm, and eventually started his own Cannon Law Firm. He spent countless hours advocating for his clients and promoting fairness, equality, and the rule of law. He believed that the satisfaction of making a difference was worth its weight in gold.

James lived his life in faith. He dedicated his time to praying the rosary at Christ the King Church every Saturday morning. He believed prayer can slow us down, calm our hearts, and enable us to rest in God’s presence.

More than anything James cared about his family, always putting them first. He set an incredible example for his children, their spouses, his siblings, and his nephews and nieces. James was actively involved in each of their lives and will be missed beyond belief.

James is survived by his wife Kristine Cannon; his children Courtney (Timothy) Barbeau, Nicholas (Monica) Cannon, Brittney Cannon; his mother Gloria Cannon; his siblings Michael (Trish) Cannon, Diane (Ted) Faile, Karen (Wendell) Bivens; his nephews John (Niki) Cannon, Brandon (Shirley) Bivens, Ryan Bivens, Ian Faile; his niece Cassandra Bivens; his great-nephews Bradon Cannon, Michael Cannon, Damien Bivens, Kody Bivens, Noah Bivens, Matias Jaramillo; his great-nieces Kaycee Cannon, Hailey Cannon, Courtney Cannon, Vera Cannon, Bella Bivens; his grand-pets Louie, Chief, Annabelle, Dot, Jack, Sophie.