In Memory Of
James "Jim" William Player Jr.
1947
2024
James "Jim" William Player Jr.
June 10, 1947 — April 9, 2024
James "Jim" William Player Jr, 76, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024, at the Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas.
Jim was born on June 10, 1947, in Hartsville, SC, as the firstborn of James W. Player Sr and Evelyn Cline Player. He was the oldest of six children. Jim moved to Pineville, NC, a suburb of Charlotte, at the age of five and spent much of his childhood fishing, swimming at the beach, playing baseball, neighborhood "stopper ball," and participating in activities at the Boys Club of America.
As a teen, Jim and his family relocated to East Rockingham, NC, where he worked in the clothroom at the local textile mill with his mother and attended Rohanen High School. He graduated in 1965 with honors, receiving the "Achievement Medal" for finishing among the top ten of his class and the prestigious "Balfour Award" for superior scholastic achievement. Jim briefly attended Miller-Motte Business College in Wilmington, NC, before joining the Atlantic Coastline Railroad as a clerk-stenographer.
In December of 1970, Jim met the love of his life, Diana Buonafede, at a Krispy Kreme Donut shop in Wilmington, North Carolina. They were married on January 12, 1972, and immediately started a family. Over the next decade, Jim and Diana welcomed five children; four sons and one daughter.
Jim's love for his country led him to join the United States Naval Reserve in 1966, which eventually became his 30-year career, focused on recruiting. Rising through the ranks, Jim's dedication and leadership earned him the rank of E-8 Senior Chief. After retiring from the Navy in 1996, Jim pursued a second career as a salesman with Olathe Ford.
Beyond his military and professional careers, Jim was deeply devoted to his faith and community. Shortly after their marriage, Jim and Diana joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jim was fully committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and served in various volunteer capacities within the church including; Sunday School President, a service missionary in the Kansas City LDS Bishop's storehouse and cannery, and an ordinance worker in the Kansas City Temple. Jim was also an active supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and was a memorable and beloved "Home Teacher" to many.
Jim loved most sports, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Washington Redskins, North Carolina Tar Heels, and various Ford NASCAR drivers. In his younger years he raced Motocross dirt bikes and ran half marathons. He took immense joy in do-it-yourself projects and working in his yard. Cars were not just a profession, but also a hobby, having worked as a mechanic and loved classic cars. For the last 12 years of his life, he enjoyed playing the handbells in the "Melodia" handbell ensemble that he and Diana started together.
Jim will be remembered for his deep dimples, gentle smile, charming southern accent, witty humor and his love of ice cream. He was adored by his 5 children, their spouses and his 14 grandchildren. He was a man of hard work, integrity, loyalty, and faith, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and service that touched the lives of many.
Jim is preceded in death by his loving parents, James W. Player Sr and Evelyn Cline Player, as well as his beloved granddaughter, Lily Player.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Buonafede Player, their children: James W. Player III (Krista) of Roseville, CA, Martin Player (Breckann) of Surprise, AZ, Kevin Player (Amy) of Olathe, KS, Tiffanie Player Alto (Hayward) of Belmopan, Belize, Jonathan Player (Cassandra) of Skippack, PA, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Elaine (Player) Morgan, Tommy "Tom" Player, Robert "Bob" Player, Ronald "Ronnie" Player, and Betty Ann "Bet" (Player) Moody.
A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS 66062.Visitation will precede the service from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The following link has been provided to view Jim's Funeral Service via livestream:
Jim will be laid to rest near his granddaughter Lily Player on May 4, 2024 in the Roseville Cemetery, 421 Berry St, Roseville, CA under the direction of Price Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to The American Heart Association.
Jim's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
To share a memory of James or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Jim was born on June 10, 1947, in Hartsville, SC, as the firstborn of James W. Player Sr and Evelyn Cline Player. He was the oldest of six children. Jim moved to Pineville, NC, a suburb of Charlotte, at the age of five and spent much of his childhood fishing, swimming at the beach, playing baseball, neighborhood "stopper ball," and participating in activities at the Boys Club of America.
As a teen, Jim and his family relocated to East Rockingham, NC, where he worked in the clothroom at the local textile mill with his mother and attended Rohanen High School. He graduated in 1965 with honors, receiving the "Achievement Medal" for finishing among the top ten of his class and the prestigious "Balfour Award" for superior scholastic achievement. Jim briefly attended Miller-Motte Business College in Wilmington, NC, before joining the Atlantic Coastline Railroad as a clerk-stenographer.
In December of 1970, Jim met the love of his life, Diana Buonafede, at a Krispy Kreme Donut shop in Wilmington, North Carolina. They were married on January 12, 1972, and immediately started a family. Over the next decade, Jim and Diana welcomed five children; four sons and one daughter.
Jim's love for his country led him to join the United States Naval Reserve in 1966, which eventually became his 30-year career, focused on recruiting. Rising through the ranks, Jim's dedication and leadership earned him the rank of E-8 Senior Chief. After retiring from the Navy in 1996, Jim pursued a second career as a salesman with Olathe Ford.
Beyond his military and professional careers, Jim was deeply devoted to his faith and community. Shortly after their marriage, Jim and Diana joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jim was fully committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and served in various volunteer capacities within the church including; Sunday School President, a service missionary in the Kansas City LDS Bishop's storehouse and cannery, and an ordinance worker in the Kansas City Temple. Jim was also an active supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and was a memorable and beloved "Home Teacher" to many.
Jim loved most sports, and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Washington Redskins, North Carolina Tar Heels, and various Ford NASCAR drivers. In his younger years he raced Motocross dirt bikes and ran half marathons. He took immense joy in do-it-yourself projects and working in his yard. Cars were not just a profession, but also a hobby, having worked as a mechanic and loved classic cars. For the last 12 years of his life, he enjoyed playing the handbells in the "Melodia" handbell ensemble that he and Diana started together.
Jim will be remembered for his deep dimples, gentle smile, charming southern accent, witty humor and his love of ice cream. He was adored by his 5 children, their spouses and his 14 grandchildren. He was a man of hard work, integrity, loyalty, and faith, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter and service that touched the lives of many.
Jim is preceded in death by his loving parents, James W. Player Sr and Evelyn Cline Player, as well as his beloved granddaughter, Lily Player.
He is survived by his wife, Diana Buonafede Player, their children: James W. Player III (Krista) of Roseville, CA, Martin Player (Breckann) of Surprise, AZ, Kevin Player (Amy) of Olathe, KS, Tiffanie Player Alto (Hayward) of Belmopan, Belize, Jonathan Player (Cassandra) of Skippack, PA, 13 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Elaine (Player) Morgan, Tommy "Tom" Player, Robert "Bob" Player, Ronald "Ronnie" Player, and Betty Ann "Bet" (Player) Moody.
A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS 66062.Visitation will precede the service from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The following link has been provided to view Jim's Funeral Service via livestream:
Jim will be laid to rest near his granddaughter Lily Player on May 4, 2024 in the Roseville Cemetery, 421 Berry St, Roseville, CA under the direction of Price Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's memory to The American Heart Association.
Jim's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.
To share a memory of James or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" William Player Jr., please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Monday, April 22, 2024
5:30 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Olathe Chapel
Service
Monday, April 22, 2024
Starts at 7:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Olathe Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 8
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