John Charles Byram Jr.

John C. Byram, Jr., known by his friends and family as “Pete,” died on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at St. Luke’s hospital from complications of polycythemia vera, a condition he’s lived with for over 10 years. He was 80 years old.

John was born July 5, 1942 in Atchison, Kansas. His parents, John Byram and Jane Price Byram, predeceased him. His family moved to Kansas City when John was 3 years old. He graduated from the Pembroke Country Day School (present day Pembroke Hill School), earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, and then joined the Army Reserves. He started his career in the mortgage banking business. Thereafter, he became a commercial real estate appraiser. He earned his MAI designation (Member of Appraisal Institute) and belonged to the Society of Real Estate Appraisers (SREA). He ultimately pursued and expanded the family business in commercial real estate by managing, assembling, and developing commercial properties.

John was a board member of the Shawnee Mission Indian Historical Society. He was a Civil War buff and attended meetings of the Civil War Roundtable. He was a member of Milburn Country Club and a former member of the Rotary Club, Porsche Club, Safari Club and Quail Unlimited.

John was an avid hobbyist; his hobbies included race car driving, hunting (including North American big game hunting), photography, and woodworking among others.

He was predeceased by his sister, Sarah Fawcett, and is survived by his sister, Katherine Bryan, and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his wife, Joyce, of 53 years. For the past 20 years, they resided in the home his parents built on a lake in Leawood that he loved. He also leaves behind his four children, John, Ellie, Leslie and Laura, their spouses, his grandchildren, and his dog Ida. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was devoted to his family who loved him very much and will miss him dearly. He was there for all of his children and grandchildren and attended all of their activities.

Graveside services and burial will be private. The family will receive friends and neighbors on Wednesday, November 9 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the home. In lieu of flowers, we suggest that donations be made to the Shawnee Indian Mission - Kansas Historical Society. Checks may be made payable to the Shawnee Indian Mission - Kansas Historical Society and mailed to 3403 West 53rd Street, Fairway, KS 66205.