James W. Jeans Sr.

My apologies for my belated offering of condolences for the passing of a truly great human being whose wit and wisdom I often steal, sometimes even with attribution.

Prof. Jeans was a big man, and his physical stature was the smallest part of that bigness. Without question, the students he taught here gained some of his bigness, and with God's help, we will in turn pass it on to others throughout our lives. Mrs. Jeans and family, we are praying for you and share your sorrow at his passing on to our Lord. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

M.A.B.
LUSOL '07

I studied Trial Advocacy with Professor Jeans at UMKC in 1993. After I graduated he gave me invaluable advice on job offerings and setting up my first practice. The time and effort he gave me was far and above what you would ever expect from a professor. Years later he stood fast when there was a movement afoot to dilute the standards and requirements at law schools. I wrote a letter in which I thanked him for upholding the value and integrity of my diploma. He graciously replied and told me...

Dear Sheryle and Family-
I was a student of Jim's in the early 70's while playing for the KC Chiefs. His advice and friendship were big factors in my ability to attend UMKC Law full time while playing in the NFL. I have always appreciated his kindness to me and remembered him fondly.
Jim touched even more lives than you know, and always in a positive and learned way. I am very saddened by his passing and sincerely sorry for your loss.
God bless you.

Because he believed that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that anyone that believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," James Jeans is now enjoying that eternal life with God. While I know Professor Jeans if happy, losing him has been a blow to us, his students. He loved us, and we loved him.

Taking trial advocacy from him this semester was wonderful--I could never soak up enough in a class period! I hate that he won't be coaching our mock trial...

Sheryle,

Sorry for your loss. Please know you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to speak with you at Mr Jeans' visitation. I have a great deal of respect for the both of you! Due to my crazy work schedule I have not been able to be as active at St John's as in the past but am very glad I have had the priviledge of knowing you both. With sympathy & prayer,

Kamille Kisker Sedlock

Jim was a good guy, and that is not as simple as it sounds. He was a coach, a mentor and a cheerleader.

I can remember him arguing before Judge Finch and the court in Jefferson City, and Finch saying, "Jeans,I didn't realize you were a poet!" His students did.

May peace be with Jim and with his family.

John A. Wilson
UMKC School of Law '74

Professor Jeans was an excellent instructor to me 24 years ago as a UMKC law student, and I have been even more impressed with his lion's heart and Christian values in recent years with the Christian lawyers group. We will celebrate his passage into glory now, and pray for his family in their earthly loss of such a fine man.

My first class ever as a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law was Torts I. Along with the other freshmen, I waited nervously, not knowing what to expect. Suddenly an impressive giant of a man bounced into the lecture hall and took to the podium-it was Professor James W.Jeans, Sr., or "Jim Jeans", as he was known at the school. Blonde hair, square jaw and twinkling eyes. Despite his imposing stature,he became my favorite professor. I will never forget "We,Cheatum and...