Arnold James Scherzberg

A. James Scherzberg, age 72, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2015 with his daughter at his side, at the Tallgrass Creek retirement facility in Overland Park, Kansas.

Jim was born August 20, 1942 to Arnold and Esther Scherzberg in Loup City, Nebraska. He attended college at Kearney State and then University of Nebraska, where he was a highly accomplished track athlete, running the steeplechase and the three mile events.

Jim graduated from Nebraska with a degree in civil engineering, and spent virtually his entire professional career with the national architectural, engineering and planning firm HNTB in the Kansas City area, including many years as the head of the Overland Park, Kansas office. Early in his career, Jim worked briefly for Jackson County at the sport complex office, before returning to HNTB. Jim was a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, American Public Works Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Consulting Engineers Council, and served as an officer of the Kansas Consulting Engineers and the Kansas Engineering Society. Jim also earned a Master' of Engineering Management from KU in the midst of his career at HNTB.

Jim married Alice E. Watkins on February 3, 1973, and they lived for many years in Olathe, Kansas where they raised their children, Catherine and Michael. After Alice received a double lung transplant in 2004, Jim retired in 2005 and they spent her "bonus years" pursuing many of the travels and hobbies they both enjoyed. After her final health battle, with Jim by her side every moment, Alice passed away in 2012. Jim spent the past few years enjoying his seven grandchildren and pursuing his love for travel and his gardening hobby.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Catherine Wiley and her husband, Duane, of Olathe, Kansas, with their children, William, Grace, Sophia, Eleanor, Beatrice and Henry, and by his son, Michael, who resides in Prairie Village with his son, Gray. Jim also leaves behind a brother, Ron, who lives in Lincoln, MO.

Jim was a kind and gentle soul who was well-loved by his friends, colleagues, and his large extended family among the many Watkins in-laws. He will be missed greatly, and his quiet strength and calm serenity in the face of his wife's health struggle and his own mounting health issues has served as an example for those who knew him. Jim was a loving and devoted son, sibling, spouse, father, grandfather and friend. Jim gave comfort to those who loved him by expressing his faith in Jesus and his readiness to enter into eternal life with Him.

Anyone wishing to honor Jim's memory is invited to make a contribution to the Kansas City Rescue Mission, 1520 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64108, or Sister Servants of Mary, 800 North 18th Street, KC, KS 66102.