James Carroll Ham

James Carroll Ham of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, surrounded by the love and care of his family, the dedicated staff at Princeton Senior Living – Assisted Living, and Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care. He died of natural causes at the age of 89, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and kindness.

A celebration of James’ life will be held at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri 64133, on Monday, November 25, 2024: Visitation: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Service in the Chapel: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Graveside Service: immediately following the chapel service, and a gathering for family and close friends will be held afterward in the Floral Hills reception hall.

Memorial contributions may be made in James’ honor to Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care at monarchmidwest.org.

A Life of Faith and Devotion

James was born on December 21, 1934, in Parthenon, Arkansas, to John and Lura Ham. A man deeply committed to his faith, family, and community, James’ early life saw him move between Parthenon and Wayton, Arkansas, Chicago, Illinois, and Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City in 1952, where he began forming his strong work ethic and values.

After briefly attending Central Missouri State University from 1952 to 1954, James answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955, training as an aircraft electronics technician and mechanic until 1958. This period shaped his discipline, technical skills, and lifelong appreciation for service and dedication.

Career and Accomplishments

James began his professional career at Bendix Corporation in 1958 as an electronics inspector. Over nearly three decades, through hard work and determination, he advanced to the role of Senior Electronics Technologist before retiring in April 1987. Retirement did not slow him down—James went on to work with Corometrics and later Hewlett-Packard, continuing his passion for electronics for another decade. His career was a testament to his problem-solving skills, dedication, and ingenuity.

Family and Faith

James married Mary Lou Henderson in 1957, and together they built a loving family with two sons, Daniel James Ham (born 1959) and Craig Alan Ham (born 1965). After Mary Lou’s untimely passing in 1970, James was blessed to find love again with Mary Aileen Powers. They married in 1973 and welcomed a son, John Patrick Ham (born 1974). James was deeply devoted to his family and was a constant source of support and guidance for his sons, whom he encouraged in their academic, athletic, and professional pursuits.

Faith was central to James’ life. He and Mary Lou were founding members of New Haven Baptist Church in Raytown, Missouri, where James served as a deacon for decades. The church was more than a place of worship—it was a community where James formed lasting friendships, including close bonds with Roy and Dottie Hedrick and Reverend Marvin and Margaret Hilton.

After marrying Mary Aileen, the couple expanded their circle of faith. James joined First Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit, and Mary Aileen became a founding member of Saint Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. The fellowship of New Haven members embraced Mary Aileen, and the couple continued their faith journey together, enjoying countless gatherings, bus trips across the U.S., and cruises to destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean.

James treasured his Sunday school class at First Baptist and the meaningful friendships he developed there, including with Kenny Williams, who continued teaching James virtually and visiting him often during his final years.

A Legacy of Love

James was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather. He was immensely proud of his sons’ achievements, including their leadership as captains of their high school teams and their collegiate and professional successes. Dan earned a BS in Finance from Southwest Missouri State University, an MBA from Avila University, and a Master’s in Industrial Safety from the University of Central Missouri. Craig completed his BSBA in Electrical Engineering at the University of Missouri, earning both a PMP and a PE. John graduated from UMKC with a BSBA in Electrical Engineering and achieved his PE certification in multiple states.

James welcomed his daughters-in-law—Carrie (Dan), Anita (Craig), and Wendy (John)—with open arms. He adored his eight grandsons: Jake and Dylan (Dan and Carrie), Jackson and Jordan (Craig and Anita), and Zane, Zander, Zaiden, and Zaxby (John and Wendy). His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Preceded in Death

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lura Ham; his first wife, Mary Lou (Henderson) Ham; her parents, Robert and Faye Henderson, and her siblings, Roy, Garnet, Sonny, and Glenda; his second wife, Mary Aileen (Powers) Ham; her parents, John Francis and Aileen Powers; and her siblings, Warren Powers and Ivan Deatsch.

Survived By

James is survived by his sons and their families: Dan and Carrie Ham (Jake and Dylan), Craig and Anita Ham (Jackson and Jordan), and John and Wendy Ham (Zane, Zander, Zaiden, and Zaxby). He is also survived by Mary Aileen’s siblings, John (Marianne) Powers, DJ (Gretchen) Powers, Rosanne McGurie, and Marita Deatsch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

James will be remembered as a kind, loving, and faithful man who lived a life of purpose and devotion to those he held dear. His legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.