James Vernon Reece

James "Jim" Vernon Reece passed away at 80 years old on July 28,2021 in Olathe, KS. He was born October 28, 1940 to Jeanette Tru (Warner) Reece and Jack Vernon Reece in Chillicothe, MO. He graduated from Chillicothe High School and attended Kirksville State Teachers College. He married his high school sweetheart Kathryn Apollonia Kinsella on June 9, 1962 and they went on to have four children together. Jim worked at Proctor & Gamble in Kansas City for 35 years before retiring in 1996. An avid golfer, Jim enhanced his golf abilities by learning how to make golf clubs, completing training to become a certified USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional, and encouraging others to join him by organizing a golf league at Prairie Highlands. Jim enjoyed retirement, playing golf, family get-togethers, and winter trips to Ft. Myers, Florida. As a devoted husband, father, and friend he provided generous amounts of love, friendly advice, and support.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Catherine "Kate" Kern and her husband, Julius Kern. Jim leaves his adoring wife Kathryn, children: Jacqueline Stecher and husband Dave, Kathleen Danahy and husband Mark, Joe Reece, and John Reece, grandchildren: Sarah (Stecher) Plumberg and husband Ross, Tyler Stecher, Thomas Stecher, Jamie Reece, Connor Danahy and wife Emily, and Ryan Danahy, greatgrandchildren: William Reece, Henry Plumberg, Aspen Stecher, and June Plumberg, inlaws: J.R. Kinsella, Frances Ann Hayes and husband, the late Dr. L.George Hayes, and Lawrence Kinsella, and numerous nieces and nephews.

For the past nine years he has suffered from the increasing effects of Alzheimer's. The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who has supported them through Jim's illness and for the wonderful support of hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Jim's name to Encompass Cares Foundation hospice, 6688 North Central Expressway, Suite 1300, Dallas, TX 75206.

Funeral will be Thursday, August 5, visitation at 10 am, Rosary at 10:45 am, Mass at 11:00 am followed by lunch at St. Paul Catholic Church, 21650 W. 115th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66061. Private interment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 8300 Quivira Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215, The Holy Family Mausoleum.



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