Search by Name

Search by Name

James Crooker

1938 - 2025

James Crooker obituary, 1938-2025, Prairie Village, KS

FUNERAL HOME

Signature Funerals - Kansas City

406D E. Bannister Road

Kansas City, Missouri

UPCOMING SERVICE

Funeral Service

Jul. 31, 2025

2:00 p.m.

Village Presbyterian Church

Send Flowers

James Crooker Obituary

James Crooker

May 22, 1938 - July 22, 2025

Prairie Village, Kansas - 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. Arr: Signature Funerals www.signaturefunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Jul. 25 to Aug. 3, 2025.

Memorial Events
for James Crooker

Jul

31

Funeral service

2:00 p.m.

Village Presbyterian Church

6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS

Funeral services provided by:

Signature Funerals - Kansas City

406D E. Bannister Road, Kansas City, MO 64131

Memories and Condolences
for James Crooker

Sponsored by Kansas City Star.

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Mark Anderson

July 26, 2025

So sorry Betty and family! Known Betty for years through church and front porch alliance, while her partner, gentleman Jim
Was recently a part of my life through our Village golf group which I recently started playing (Jim could always out drive me) and bridge!! What a great person and model of keeping going in life for sure. Contagious smile always! He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in James Crooker's name

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Crooker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more