John Hermes

1932 - 2022

John Hermes
October 25, 1932 - June 25, 2022
Leawood, Kansas - John Thomas Hermes transitioned peacefully from this life on June 25, 2022. He was at home in Leawood, Kansas, with his loving wife Cristina by his side. A deeply loved man, he will long be remembered for his benevolence, humility, and quiet perseverance.
John was born on October 25, 1932 in Newkirk, Oklahoma to Joseph and Dora Hermes. He was the 4th of 6 children, preceded in death by Joe D. (Jody) Hermes, Richard Patrick (Pat) Hermes, and Lorna Jean Sharpe, and survived by brothers Lawrence Byron Sharpe and Jerome (Jerry) Hermes. His early years on the family farm during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era forged in him an unwavering humility, a healthy supply of common sense, an appreciation for good old-fashioned hard work, and an earnest aspiration for a beautiful life.
John graduated from Ponca City High School in 1950 where he was a diligent student and well-liked classmate, and he served as President of Future Farmers of America. He later graduated from Oklahoma A&M in 1954 with a degree in agriculture, and then went on to serve the United States Army as a second lieutenant and M1 rifle instructor in Fort Leonard Wood until 1956.
John worked in agricultural chemical sales before embarking on the journey of entrepreneur and small-business owner. With little more than a pickup truck, two lawnmowers, a meager loan of $5,000, and the impetus of five little mouths to feed at home, Hermes Landscaping was founded under the name "Country Fair Lawns" in 1965. The successful business he built has not only supported his family, and his family's family, but hundreds of employees and their families over the last 57 years and counting. His influence on the Kansas City community at large through his generosity and hard work continues to pay dividends. Even the thousands of trees and that have been planted across the city under the name "Hermes" will long contribute to the beauty and health of this community.
Following his retirement from the business in 1997, John reinvented himself as a student of life and explored new hobbies and previously undiscovered talents. He took up art classes, learned Spanish, studied piano, and fell in love with his elegant wife, Cristina. Together they traveled the world, created magnificent art, studied philosophy, practiced yoga and pilates, and enjoyed life and family together. Their home has become a veritable gallery of fine art, filled with their beautiful paintings, sculptures, and relics.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Maria Cristina Scagliotti Hermes. He was the cherished father of 7 children, preceded in death by Paul Joseph Hermes and survived by children Anne Marie Hunter, Dalton Hermes, Michele Hermes, Gretchen Hermes, Gilbert Hermes, Elise Hermes, and his stepdaughter Florencia Scagliotti. John was also the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Andrea Long, Anastasia Hermes, Sarah Hermes, John S Hermes, Abraham Hermes, Grace Hermes, Noah Hermes de Boor, Alex Hermes, Vincent Hermes, Nicholas Hermes, Michael Hermes, Lily Hermes, and Ariel Ward.
John was a beloved husband and patriarch, gentleman entrepreneur, aficionado of the arts, avid and lifelong learner, world traveler, fount of practical wisdom, and master of comfort food. He was unfailingly likeable, even-keeled, grounded, humble, genteel and a brilliant decision maker. His presence will be missed, but his influential and expansive legacy lives on.
The family produced a video on his life. We hope you enjoy: https://vimeo.com/721827393/80441588d8
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11th at 3pm at the Thompson Barn in Lenexa, Kansas. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to Heifer International at:
https://fundraise.heifer.org/team/432957