Jim Crooker

Jul 24, 2025 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2025 | 3 comments

James Owen Crooker, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025 after suffering from a head injury due to a fall. He was 87 years old.

He is survived by his wife Betty, son Greg (Laura) of Overland Park Kansas, son Chris (Shari) of Atlanta, Georgia and son Shaun of Overland Park Kansas. Grandchildren, Kyle Crooker (Kaley), Conner Crooker (Chloe), Cole Crooker (Alyson), Brendan Crooker and Spencer Crooker.

Born on May 22, 1938 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri to Hazel and James Crooker. He was united in marriage to Betty on July 29, 1959 at Memorial Christian Church in KCMO. Jim and Betty met at Research Medical Center while Jim was a patient and Betty was his nurse.

Jim received a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering in 1961 from the University of Kansas and an M.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1967 and an MBA degree at Rockhurst College in 1980.

He wrote a book on an integrated framework solution for plates of variable and constant rigidities.

He spent his early years at Butler Manufacturing in KCMO and then started a computer business setting up many small businesses with office systems. He was very successful trading stocks in the market in the last ten years.

Jim was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He loved to play golf at Milburn Country Club in the summer and Manzanillo Mexico in the winter. He spent time in the Junior Achievement program in Kansas City Urban Partners Program tutoring disadvantaged children in math.

He taught the grandchildren to have a strong moral compass and told them to not let it go South. He almost died 7 years ago and reported he went through a dark tunnel and after he survived he was determined to stay in the light. He was a member of The Village Presbyterian Church and knew Jesus and had peace.

He was kind and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him. He will be missed but long remembered.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Village Presbyterian Church 6641 Mission Rd. Prairie Village Kansas 66208 with a reception following.

The family kindly requests memorials be sent to Village Presbyterian Church and to Operation Breakthrough.

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Frank Titterington

1 year ago

Jim was a remarkable Christian who shared his love of life with all who knew him. He was a remarkable model for his Sons and Grandchildren and the perfect partner for Betty.

James Pimentel

1 year ago

Betty, you are in my thoughts and prayers today with the loss of your beloved husband. I hope you remember me from Andrews and Abbey Riley. We had many good memories of working together on upholstery jobs. I also lost my husband Damon last year. We were together for 38 years, so I am familiar with your grief.
Sending you love and hugs. Jim Pimentel

Sandra Spencer Carter

1 year ago

Betty, You were my instructor at Research Hospital School of Nursing class of 1963. I am so sorry for your loss. I saw your husband’s obituary in the KC Star. It sounds like he was a very special person. I want to reach out to you and thank you for teaching me how to be a good nurse. I have fond memories of my student experiences. God’s blessings, Sandra

Kind Words

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Joan

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M. Weber Family

Thank you ladies for making our Father's memorial special. You went above and beyond and helped us feel special during a difficult time.

O'Brien's

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Beth W.

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Marchia

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