James Hessenflow

JAMES HESSENFLOW With deep sorrow, we are grieved to announce the untimely departure of our brother James (Jimbo) Lester Hessenflow. James was a devoted son, brother, friend and sincere companion to all of us. James departed this earth at home, during his sleep on July 13th, 2025. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Royer's New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. James was born September 16th, 1963 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the third son of four children to Claude Ezzie and Dorothy Lee (Wood) Hessenflow. Jimbo grew up primarily in Independence, MO. and attended William Chrisman High School. Jimbo worked a number of jobs over the years and cultivated many friendships that have lasted due to his dedication to their relationships. Jim's Restaurant, Container Packaging and USA Box were just a few of the occupations that he pursued over the years that helped him develop his friendships that meant so much to him. His last job was with the Magna / LMV Automotive Systems group in Liberty, MO., where he was a logistics forklift operator on the automotive production line. Jimbo was an avid Chiefs and Royals lover and his personal mancave was a tribute to them. He was a sincere racing fan in many different forms, as well. In his younger days, he and his buddies (Rick & Joe) built a 1980 Oldsmobile 442 from scratch and raced it at KCIR (Kansas City International Raceway) many times. Additionally, he was a big NASCAR fan with his favorite driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. #3 at the wheel. Jim was also a member of a local slot car racing club (Kansas City Slot Car Club) and spent many years dedicating himself to the organization. He was always at the ready to help his club members with advice and parts to keep them on the track. He was so good at this venture he even cultivated international contacts for his assistance in the slot car world. He has one friend in particular, that lives in the United Kingdom, that has purchased over 200 of Jim's slot cars to have in his collection. Jimbo also kept close to God by tending to his beloved Hostas. He grew many different types of Hostas and associated foliage. He gleaned many of his "green thumb" skills from his beloved mother, Dorothy, who taught him to care of God's green earth through gardening. His mother also kept him grounded in faith to the Heavenly Father with scripture readings. She instilled the values of the Lord through the Bible and Jim kept his mother's wishes by staying connected to the Lord through those scriptures. He is preceded in death by his father (Claude) and his loving and beloved mother (Dorothy). Additionally, James leaves behind his loving partner Christine Stockbridge of 20+ years of the home. He also leaves brothers Terry Hessenflow and wife Pamela, Gary Hessenflow and sister Alana (Hessenflow) Naugle. Jim has numerous nieces and nephews as well. Carrie Lynn Hessenflow, Neil Hessenflow, Laura Kay (Naugle) Wilkins and husband Marty, Eddie Naugle and Daniel Naugle; along with many grand nieces and nephews, each carrying a piece of his spirit and kindness within them. Royer's New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600