James E. Sheedy

James E. Sheedy, 77, died like he lived, peacefully surrounded by family at home and facing everything with kindness and strength. Jim was born on the south side of Chicago to Paul & Anna Sheedy and was a member of Visitation Parish. After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, Jim attended DePaul University where he was a member of Alpha Chi fraternity and was senior class president. He started his career at Xerox where he achieved top salesperson of the year and finished in management. While in Chicago, Jim spent several years working with the Special Olympics with his dear friends, Alderman Edward M. Burke and his wife The Honorable Anne Burke. After transferring to Leawood, KS, he started his own business which has been running for 30 years. What Jim really loved to do was to coach his four boys and many friends which became like family, in soccer. His coaching touched so many, and his teams enjoyed four state championships. He loved watching all sports, especially basketball, soccer and horse racing. Jim’s favorite day of the year was St. Patrick’s Day. Jim took a lot of pride in working in his yard, and most enjoyed his friends, faith and family. He loved his poker groups and his dear friends at Bogey’s Windy City Pub. He loved to travel and especially loved cruising and spending time at Lake Delavan, WI.

After 53 blessed years of marriage, Jim is survived by his wife, Gayle; his four sons, Jim (Linda), Paul, Morgan and Garrett; three grandchildren, Anna, Ava & Reagan; three siblings Mary Doyle (recently deceased), Elizabeth Nelson and Paul (Mary Lou) Sheedy, and numerous nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Visitation services will be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday, August 20 at McGilley State Line Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon on Friday, August 21 at Nativity Catholic Church in Leawood, KS. www.kcnativity.org. Masks/facial coverings required for both events. The family wishes to express their immense gratitude to family and friends for their support, especially the Hospice staff of St. Luke's. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Tunnel to Towers.