James William McManus

1945 - 2024

James William McManus

August 1, 1945 - February 26, 2024

Kansas City, Missouri - James William McManus, 78, beloved husband, proud father and grandfather, and respected attorney entered eternal life on February 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born August 1, 1945, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Gerald B. McManus and Mary Margaret (Hagan) McManus. He attended St. Peter's Elementary School and St. John's Seminary High School. He graduated from Rockhurst College in 1967 and from St. Louis University School of Law in 1971.

Jim then embarked on an illustrious legal career that spanned over 46 years. He joined Shughart Thomson & Kilroy Law Firm in 1973, became a Director and Shareholder in 1976, as a member of the "Magnificent 7," and remained there for 21 years. In 1996, he established the Law Office of James W. McManus and was Of Counsel at Dysart Taylor, and later at DeWitt Zeldin, while maintaining his own firm.

His commitment and dedication to his legal practice was well-known and respected among those who knew him personally and professionally. He was named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and "Best of the Bar" in Personal Injury, Trials, and Appeals by the Kansas City Business Journal for multiple years.

In 2003, he was honored by the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association with the Congenial Counselor Award, which perfectly reflected his personality and character.

Jim enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. His favorite pastimes included family road trips, fishing, swimming, early morning walks in his Brookside neighborhood, listening to Simon & Garfunkel, all things Ireland, and following his favorite football teams, Notre Dame and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Julie; five children and their spouses: Kathleen McManus Couchonnal (Luis), Bridget McManus Taylor (Clint), Kevin McManus (Alejandra), Jane McManus (Brandon Walker), and Tim McManus; and eight grandchildren: Caroline Couchonnal, Callahan Taylor, Liam and Daniel McManus, Sean and Kate McManus Kolakowski, and Lainey and Griffin Walker.

If you ever wanted to know the meaning of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," Jim was the best example. Kindness radiated from his eyes with a map of Ireland on his face. We will miss him dearly and know he is forever in our hearts.

The Mass of the Resurrection in Celebration of his Life will be on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 815 E. Meyer Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church or Operation Breakthrough.

A more detailed obituary can be found at www.muehlebachchapel.com.