James Willard Tolson

He was preceded in death by his parents, Minister Willard Tolson and Beatrice Tolson; His oldest grandson Lamont Coleman; and his lifelong companion, Alenvia Coleman. Out of this union came two daughters.

James loved his daughters, and was very protective of his girls and their whereabouts, even after they were grown and out on their own. He showed his love to those very close to him by keeping in touch with them daily or a few times each week. He would ride the bus in his wheelchair to visit family and friends. James would even shop, which he loved to do. He worked at Goodwill Industries for many years until he retired in 2002. When he was younger, James was a distance runner in track and field. He also had a passion for bowling and later joined a Ward Parkway Lanes Bowling League.

James was very private and when relaxing at home he loved eating chicken and ice cream (or, as he used to say, “cream”) and listening to gospel music. There was entertainment that he enjoyed: The State Fair, the circus and especially the Harlem Globetrotters, his favorite basketball team.

James leaves to cherish his memory: His daughter, Jean Johnson (Jimmy Johnson III) and Dana Warren; grandchildren: Eric Ellis (Tina Ellis), Sean Stiggers, DeMarco Williams, Damon Warren, Jessica LeMay, Tiffany Vanburen, Gina Johnson, LaToya Johnson, Jimmy Johnson IV, all of Kansas City, MO; his uncle, Chester Threat (Betty Threat) of Chicago, IL and a host of great-grandchildren and friends, especially Ms Erma Peterson.