James Thomas Burcham (Tom), 83, of Mission Hills, Kansas, passed away March 31, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Tom was born in Springfield, Missouri, in 1941. He attended the University of Kansas where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and then went on to successfully get a Master’s in Business Administration from University of California, Berkeley. A proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, he was recognized as Sigma Chi Man of the Year in 1989, and in 2001, Tom was honored with the National Significant Sig award from the fraternity.
In 1961, Tom married the love of his life, Cynthia, and together, they spent much of their life exploring the world with friends, raising their three children and captaining his boat, Quindaro, in Boca Grande.
Tom spent his early career at Hallmark, TWA, Baltimore Bank and Touche Ross, where he was working when he was enlisted as a consultant to do a credit card feasibility study by the Bank of Australia. From there, Tom began his extensive entrepreneurial career in banking, beginning at Quindaro State Bank and ending with Missouri Bank & Trust (mobank) in Kansas City. His banking career spanned 50 years, and the foundation he laid for community banking quickly became an important pillar in Kansas City and beyond.
Tom’s focus on the community extended beyond business and into the places he called home. Throughout his career, he continually gave back his time, talent and treasure. Tom cared deeply about the mental health needs of the community’s youngest residents, driving him to become a founding member of The Children’s Place and steadfast supporter of their services throughout his lifetime. He was also a proud member of the St. Luke’s Hospital Board and Foundation Board, Missouri Repertory Theater, Folly Theater, and more. He was also a founding member of the Gasparilla Island Land Conservatoryand President of the Johann Fust Library in Boca Grande, Florida.
Tom’s true pride and joy was best seen in his love of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. For as much as he lit up around them, he was a true light in their life, entertaining all ideas, fun and games and never tiring of their company.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, James Leslie Burcham and Ruth Emery Burcham, and his sister Beth Acuff. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cynthia, his three children, Grant [Wendy] Burcham, Michael Burcham and Hadley Burcham; his seven beloved grandchildren Christopher [Danielle] Burcham, Annie [Anthony] Burcham, Michael Burcham, Matthew [Madelyn] Burcham, Emily Burcham, Leigh Dolan and Gracie Dolan; and his three great grandchildren Hank Burcham, Louise Burcham and Ellis Burcham; and his sister, Becky Rappensperger.
Private services will be held followed by an open celebration of life at Mission Hills Country Club on April 29 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Children’s Place or the Gasparilla Island Conservation Improvement Association in memory of Tom. Donations can be made online or by mail to:
The Children’s Place
6401 Rockhill Road
Kansas City, MO 64131
Gasparilla Island Conservation Improvement Association (GICIA)
P.O. Box 446
Boca Grande, FL 33921
