James Elmer Mccrary

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James (Jim) Elmer McCrary, 85, of Basehor, KS, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020, from COVID-19 complications.
He was preceded in death on February 8, 2020 by the love of his life, Joanne Skradski McCrary, his loving and dedicated wife of more than 61 years. He remained fully committed to his sweethearts memory by visiting her gravesite every day since her passing Above all else, Jim loved his large family and his faith. He was a true gentleman, a most loving, selfless, thoughtful and kind-hearted man, who greeted everyone with a warm smile, soft blue eyes, and a sincere welcome. He was a man of utmost integrity and character, dedicated to great service to both his family and country. His quick wit and sense of humor were appreciated by all, especially when hed pull out the handwritten notecard from his shirt pocket, full of his latest jokes.
Although heartbroken after losing his wife, Joanne, a few months ago, Jim continued to show unending love and support for his entire family. Jim is survived by his 6 children Brian (April), Kevin (Ronda), Karin (Rich) Morgan, Laurin (Andy) Kratt, Maurine (John) Grantham and Shannon (Mike) Mertz, as well as his sister, Mary Wertin, and sister-in-law, Emily Skradski, and their families. Jim was a very proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren: Courtney (Will) Mayle, Kelly McCrary, Bailey McCrary, Chloe McCrary, Ben Morgan, Olivia (Anthony) Hurtado, Marissa Morgan, Adam Kratt, Madeline Grantham, Jack Grantham, Lily Grantham, Megan Mertz, Jared (Caitlin) Mertz, Helen Mertz and Laurin Mertz. His two great grandchildren include Regan and Piper Mayle.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ellen, son Elmer Joseph and grandchildren Madeline and Jack Grantham.
Jim was born in Kansas City, KS on December 21, 1934 to Elmer and Ellen (Wills) McCrary. After graduating high school from De LaSalle Military Academy in 1953, he attended Donnelly College, where he met his future wife, Joanne, and married in November 1958. Jim proudly served his county for over 30 years, both as an enlisted airman with the US Air Force, and again as an officer in the US Navy Reserve, from which he retired after achieving the rank of Commander. In his civilian career, Jim worked full-time as a business associate in the telephone industry and completed his BA degree in Economics in 1967 from UMKC, all while raising his large family. Jim then went on to complete his MBA in 1977, and did so while supporting his wife and children, fixing up the family home, coaching his kids sporting teams, helping with homework around the dinner table (while trying to complete his own) and making sure there was a family vacation every summer, which most often included fulfilling his annual active duty requirement as a Navy reservist while his children frolicked in the surf somewhere close by. Jim completed his active involvement in the Global War on Terror when he finally retired as a United States Army Intelligence professional, serving at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in May of 1998.
Both in life and retirement, Jim enjoyed and loved nothing more than supporting his entire family, including children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, in all of their endeavors. His great love and kindness will be forever missed by all.
A private family funeral was held on Wednesday, December 23. A celebration of his beautiful and very full and respected life will be held sometime during the Summer of 2021.
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