James Edward Chandler Tinsman

1934 - 2025

James Edward Chandler Tinsman

July 7, 1934 - August 22, 2025

Shawnee Mission, Kansas - James Edward Chandler Tinsman of Shawnee Mission, KS, died August 22, 2025 at the age of 91. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Haw Tinsman, his three sons, Jim (Ann) Tinsman, Jr., Garrett (Diane) Tinsman, and Bill (Elissa) Wolf-Tinsman, his step-sons and daughters, Brooke Spencer, Bill (Hitomi) Haw, and Kate Haw, his grandchildren, Jay Tinsman, Christine Tinsman, Chandler (Carolina) Tinsman, Bryce Tinsman, Chase Wolf-Tinsman, Story Wolf-Tinsman, Elsie Spencer, Millie Spencer, Henry Haw, and Lily Haw, and his great-grandson Lucas Deifelt-Tinsman. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carol Tinsman and many nieces and nephews.

Born on July 7, 1934 in Kansas City, Jim was the son of Julia and Charles Humbert Tinsman. Jim married Carole Shanklin Tinsman in 1959 and with her had three sons. Upon her passing, Jim married Elizabeth Haw Tinsman, with whom he spent 21 happy years.

After graduating from Pembroke Country Day School, Jim attended Princeton University as an undergraduate and received an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business. A serial entrepreneur, Jim and his brother, Humbert, founded or acquired and ran a series of successful businesses which included Capital Services, University Bank in Lawrence, and NBKC Bank. It was important to Jim to create in each company a culture of hard work, high integrity, and community spirit. A strategic and inspirational leader, Jim helped lay the foundation for NBKC to be repeatedly recognized as a "Best Place to Work" in Kansas City.

An avid squash player, Jim won a number of local and regional tournaments in both singles and doubles. He also played tennis and enjoyed fly fishing. Jim was an active community member who volunteered his time and resources with the United Way and enjoyed tutoring young people. Jim was a loyal friend and was beloved by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took great pride in his family and will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Carole, and his brother Humbert.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 6th. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Jim's honor may be sent to Literacy KC (www.literacykc.org), Wayside Waifs (www.waysidewaifs.org) or a charity of your choice.