James Timothy “Tim” Lauderdale, 78, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on June 4, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was at home, surrounded by love, with his wife, daughters, and extended family by his side.
Tim was born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wilbur Andrew “Wib” Lauderdale and Katharine Elizabeth “Kay” Lauderdale. The second of ten children, he found a love of sports early in life. He began playing baseball at the age of five and continued playing for most of his adult life, including in Kansas City’s prestigious Ban Johnson League. While still a teenager, he became the first bowler in 25 years to shoot an 800 series. He later bowled a 300 game in the 1980s. In his later years, baseball was replaced by golf, and he enjoyed playing in several golf leagues and the annual Elks State Tournament. He was especially well known on the 19th hole.
Drafted into the Vietnam War in 1969, Tim proudly served his country and was awarded the Purple Heart. The injuries he sustained in Vietnam followed him for the rest of his life and his service was the source of the cancer he ultimately succumbed to. He was also the inspiration behind the launch of Hallmark’s line of Veterans Day cards.
Tim was married to Becky Lauderdale for 18 years before she passed away from cancer at the age of 40. Together, they had two daughters, Keri Lauderdale Olson and Michelle Lauderdale Wray. Later in life, he was blessed to find the love of his life, Charlotte “CJ” Lauderdale. They celebrated their seventh anniversary just days before he passed, and one of his last statements was that he wished he could have loved her longer.
A Master Electrician, Tim retired after 38 years with BNSF Railway. He was a member of IBEW Local 866, American Legion Post 499, VFW Post 30, and his beloved Blue Springs Elks Lodge, where he was a proud member of the 2:00 Trustees.
Tim’s large family was a big part of his life, as were his many friends. He loved family get togethers, BBQs, playing ball, golfing and spending beach time with his brothers, and he was always up for a competitive game of Scrabble. A Chiefs season ticket holder for 22 years, he eventually decided he could only watch games at home because his language during games was not appropriate for most audiences.
He will be remembered for his sharp wit, dancing in the kitchen, sense of humor – which he kept until the very end – love of Crown Royal, loyal friendship, insistence on doing things right the first time, and willingness to fight for what he believed in.
Tim was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Andrew “Wib” Lauderdale; his mother, Katharine Elizabeth “Kay” Lauderdale; his first wife, Becky Lauderdale; his sister, Lisa Day; his nephew, Thomas David Lauderdale; and his great-niece, Samantha Enna.
He will live on in the lives of his wife, Charlotte “CJ” Lauderdale; daughters, Keri Lauderdale Olson and Michelle Lauderdale Wray (Kurt); grandchildren, Tristan Olson, Colin Olson, Cameron Olson, Aspen Livengood, Morgan Livengood, and MaKenzie Livengood; siblings, Diana Enna, Drew Lauderdale (Carolyn), Kathy Campbell, Tom Lauderdale (Cathie), Tina Welch, and David Lauderdale (Jackie); numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; bonus children, Tina Lines-Sandy (Jeff) and Jason Lines (Julie); nine bonus grandchildren; and thirteen bonus great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Tim’s life at a public Celebration of Life on June 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Blue Springs Elks Lodge #2509, 100 NE Brizendine Road, Blue Springs, MO 64014. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Blue Springs Elks Lodge #2509 Veterans Committee.
Submitted by Family
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441