James Geck

1962 - 2025

James Geck

March 14, 2025

Overland Park, Kansas - James Paul Geck, 62, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, March 14, 2025. Funeral Mass will be at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W. 127th St. in Overland Park, 10 am on May 12.

Although born with intellectual disabilities, Jim had unique abilities. He was a calendar savant, knowing the day of the week for holidays and family birthdays years in advance. He memorized maps and places he had visited, and guided his parents driving across the country. He loved Catholic ceremony and could recite an entire mass, including hymns, to himself.

Jim's parents, Douglas and MariAnne (Wolberg) Geck, were dedicated to Jim and others with special needs. Sparked by Jim, they advocated for special education programs and other services supporting people with disabilities. Jim loved his weekends with them and vacations visiting his siblings. Although Jim lost his parents recently, he had faith he would see them again.

Jim loved the comforts of home at Life Centers of Kansas and cherished his housemates and caretakers. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, rooting for KC sports, bowling, and swimming. He ushered at Sacred Heart Church in Gardner, helping parishioners find seats and encouraging donations with a persistent shake of his basket. Jim especially loved Special Olympics and always accepted invitations to Worlds of Fun.

Jim was born in Bismarck, ND on August 23, 1962, and graduated from Shawnee Mission North (1982). He lived in group homes in Gardner, Lenexa, Olathe, and Overland Park and worked at Johnson County Developmental Supports. He was blessed with devoted caretakers at Life Centers of Kansas, Arcare, and JCDS. He is survived by brothers Duane (Theresa Deily) Geck of San Rafael, CA; Jay (Tanya Barnett) Geck of Olympia, WA; Gary Geck of Takoma Park, MD; Paul (KennaKay Hyatt) Geck of Blue Lake, CA; and sister AnnMarie (Brian) Helmke of Boca Raton, FL. Contributions in Jim's name may be made to Special Olympics of Kansas at www.soks.org or to Friends of Johnson County Developmental Supports, 10501 Lackman Road, Lenexa, KS 66219 at https://friendsofjcds.org.

More of Jim's story is available at https://porterfuneralhome.com/ObituaryDetails.aspx?id=72821&Name=James_Paul_Geck