James C. Peters

Jim loved to laugh; One of his very favorite things to do was to share a joke, or poke fun at someone he loved. That is how most people will remember him. And there was a sincere kindness in that. His sense of humor was inclusive and loving, respectful, and always with a twinkle in his eye.

Jim loved to create. He worked with his hands to make beautifully crafted furniture, furnishings, trinkets, and toys. At one point, it seemed like every house in South Kansas City, with a deck, was one he created. When he played golf, which is a game he loved, he found time to create and build a line of clubs.

Jim would take the time to attempt to pass his love of craftsmanship along. Jim spent 30 years teaching Woodshop in the Hickman Mills School District, at Irvin Junior High. As with all the things he did, he put his heart into his classes, but the relationships with his fellow teachers were the best things he created during those years. He was also the only teacher that would get the last day of school off, so he could host the annual End of Year Bar-B-Que.

Jim’s craftsmanship in the kitchen, on the grill, and at the backyard smoker were stuff of legend. He and his lovely bride of 40 years, Tina, opened their hearts and arms to delight their guests, with amazing hospitality and incredibly delicious food.

Jim was a man that anyone would love to share a beer with. He would greet you with a smile and engage with you in whatever topic you wanted to discuss- and then he would offer his sage advice. For his children especially, it was often understood that this advice was usually the very best advice anyone could or would ever give. As a dad, he knew best.

Jim was a loyal friend and well-respected neighbor. He ‘adopted’ his next-door neighbor, Eric Miranda. Eric said the first thing Jim ever asked him was, “Do you want a beer?”. A wonderful Friendship was born. Eric helped Jim, and Jim would help Eric when he could. They created together- albeit Eric did a majority of the work. Jim adored Eric, even said at one point that Eric, too, was a ‘Peters’.

Jim had four children. Three gregarious boys, and a loving stepdaughter. He enjoyed being a dad. He was playful, firm, and very loving. What he really loved though, was being an “AWESOME-PA”. He adored every one of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the delight of his world. He made sure to share time with them, in person, or over the phone, whenever it was possible.

Jim was born in Kansas City, grew up in Belton, and lived in Raytown. The only time he lived outside the Kansas City area, was when he joined the US Navy in the early 60’s, where he was stationed, primarily, in San Diego. He loved to travel. He loved to fish. He loved the beauty of the world. He loved living.

Jim became an angel on the morning of May 19, 2023. Perhaps, just perhaps, he has already cracked some jokes with his dad, his mom, his eldest son, Craig, and his granddaughter, Samantha.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Tina; His brother, Tom (Linda); His sons: Darin (Roberta), Todd (Tonia); His stepdaughter, Amber J; His Grandchildren: David, Joey, Lauren, Jordan (Christopher), Shelby (George), Robert, Sydney, Caleb, and Katie; and His Great-GrandChildren: Lily Belle, Aiden Michael, and Hannah Marie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in his name, be made to the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/?form=FUNQCSERKQD)