James A. Fenton

James A. Fenton, Jr., 86, of Olathe, KS, passed away November 7, 2013. He was born on November 1, 1927 in Youngstown, Ohio to James Sr.and Ellen Fenton. James was married to Marilee Reilly in 1953, celebrating 60 years of marriage together.

Jim worked as an engineer for A&P in Youngstown and Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City and Chicago. He switched to Milgram's Food Stores to return to Kansas City and then went to St. Louis when Wetterau bought out Milgrams. He "retired" to move back to Kansas but soon returned to work with Balls Food Stores.


Jim enjoyed recounting the escapades of his growing family. He loved to travel especially in the United States and the only state he hadn't visited was Alaska. He traveled to the volcanoes of Costa Rica, the fuscia-lined roads of Western Ireland, the Churches of Italy, the markets of Mexico and multiple trips to Canada. He even volunteered at the Kansas Travel Center in his true retirement years. Jim and Marilee loved to travel and spend time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Jim was a man of faith throughout his lifetime. He served on parish councils, was a fourth degree knight of the Knights of Columbus, was a member of the building committees for Holy Spirit Catholic Church and St. Thomas Aquinas High school. Jim was a member of the Serra Club and was an active member of Christ Prince of Peace Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Immaculate Heart Foundation, 214 Juniatta Street, Burlington, KS. 66839 (donations would contribute to completion of a primary grade school in India)

Surviving family includes his wife, Marilee Fenton, daughters, Marianne (Kurt) Vincent and Katie (Andy) Lodes, grandchildren Kevin (Carrie) Vincent, Joshua (Emily )Vincent, Kelly Vincent, Sophie Lodes and Margie Lodes, great-grandchildren Landon, Blayne, Owen and Sadie, and one sister, Mary Kay Barber.