November 22, 1949 – May 17, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Anthony Bebout, 73, of Bates City, who departed this world peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Jim was born on November 22, 1949, to Ralph and Kristina Bebout of Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Park Hill High School in 1967 and enlisted in the United States Navy in September of 1968. Jim was a decorated veteran, earning service and campaign medals as a radioman in Da Nang during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

During his time in the service, Jim was married and had a daughter. Life circumstances took them in different directions, and he moved to Missoula, Montana, where he spent 10 years living life as a rancher and outdoor adventurer. He moved back to Kansas City in 1982 and remarried in 1983. He and his wife had two children and raised their family together in Blue Springs. During that time, Jim built a successful career in paintless dent removal and enjoyed summer weekends with his family at the Lake of the Ozarks. Jim retired in 2010 and moved to Bates City but he never slowed down. He enjoyed working on his endless projects, tending to his farm and pets, and the camaraderie  of his fun-loving neighbors.

Jim treasured spending time with his children and traveling to Florida to be with Mary Jo. He adored fishing, his dogs and cats, hunting, working on cars, buying interesting items at auction, birdwatching, attending shows and rooting for the Chiefs. Jim was known for his charming nature and infectious laugh and wanted nothing more than to make the most out of every day. For those who were lucky to know him, he will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by his loving son, Tyler Bebout (Dara) and daughter, Erica Bebout Hartley (Paul), their mother, Susan Alumbaugh Bebout, and two grandchildren, Owen Hartley and Audrey Hartley. Jim is also survived by his sweetheart, Mary Jo Burton, his brother, Greg Bebout (Pam), sister Nancy Morris (Larry), sister Theresa Carlson, daughter Jamie McDaniel, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Kristina Bebout, brother Kris Bebout, sister Melissa Hall, and brother-in-law Martin Carlson.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25th from 5:00-6:30 PM with a Celebration of Life service immediately following from 6:30-7:00 PM at Royer’s Funeral Home located at 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO 64029.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Wayside Waifs or KC Pet Project.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441