James D. Ross (Chief, J.D.), 76, Independence, MO passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at KC Hospice House after an unexpected illness.
Jim was born January 24, 1947 in Kansas City, MO to James and Lucille Ross. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and fought in the Vietnam War/Korea. Jim started his career as an installment loan officer at Sugar Creek National Bank and then transferred to UMB. While working at the bank he went through the police academy. He spent 47 years in law enforcement, 5 years as a patrolman and then 42 years as the Chief of Police for Lake Tapawingo Police Department before retiring in 2016. Jim also had his own private investigation and videography business. Jim was an avid corvette and hot wheel collector. He loved barbequing, fishing, baseball and boating. He couldn’t wait to get hm from work and take his daughter and friends out skiing. Jim was always about family, that was his no 1 priority in life of spending time with his wife, daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandsons. The bond he had with his daughter and grandsons is something most people dream of having in their life. He was well liked by so many who will truly miss his stories and adventures.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife (Patty) of 49 years; his dog Bella; only daughter Tricia (Jeremy); and his 2 grandsons Dakota and Caiden Ross-Glines; Sister-in-laws Sharon Nelson (Bob), Joan Davis (John), Judy Hunsinger, Helen Leach, Donna Brown; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday August 3rd from 5-7pm, at Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, MO (100 Royer Ln.); Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO on Friday August 4th, 11am (20109 Bus MO-13, Higginsville, MO). Contributions may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project: woundedwarriorproject.org ~ Glioblastoma Foundation: glioblastomafoundation.org or Childrens Mercy Department of Philanthropy: support.childrensmercy.org
Following the burial, we will be having a celebration of life at the American Legion (16701 E US Hwy 40, Independence, MO) 1:30-5:00pm, please feel free to drive your antique or collector cars in memory of Jim.
Obituary submitted by family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441