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James Vandergrift Obituary

James Barrett Vandergrift, 68, of Kansas City, Mo., and Palm Beach, Fla, died of a heart attack, Saturday, September 26, 2009, in Las Vegas, Nev. He was the son of the late James George Vandergrift and Alice Mossman Vandergrift, born, Aug. 2, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Penn. He was the owner of Hanna Rubber Company, in Kansas City. Surviving are his sister, Christie Vandergrift Haney of Pittsburgh, Penn., and brother, Frank Mossman Vandergrift of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; five nephews, Matthew V. Haney, Sarasota, Fla., James A. Haney, Cincinnati, Ohio, William C. Haney, London, England, Chase S. Vandergrift, Portland, Ore., and Mary Haney Bailey of Charleston, South Carolina, and seven great nephews and nieces. An avid antique and classic car collector, he was a member of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, the Gull Wing Group and the Aston Martin Owners Club. He attended The Asheville School, Asheville, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania and president of his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of The Mar-a-Lago Club and The Breakers, Palm Beach, Fla. Visitation will be 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, D.W. Newcomer's Sons Stine & McClure Chapel 3235 Gillham Plaza, Kansas City, Mo. Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, Country Club Christian Church, 6101 Ward Parkway, Kansas City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Asheville School, 360 Asheville School Rd, Asheville, NC 28806. Please visit our website at www.dwnewcomers.com to sign the online guestbook. Arr.: D.W. Newcomers Sons Stine & McClure Chape (816) 931-7777.

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

Published by Kansas City Star on Sep. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Vandergrift

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Stephanie Lefes

October 28, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to the Haney and Vandergrift families.
This loss has left a tremendous empty space that no other can fill. Jim was my closest,dearest friend, for many years. He was so much fun to be with, but also someone I could confide in.
He will be missed.
I am so glad I got the chance to say good bye and I love you.

Joe McBride

October 7, 2009

JBV welcomed the lot of Tuck's friends into his home, his life and his garage. He sparked my interest in cars early on, and even put up with buying found hubcaps from me. He always had kind words of support during our turbulent adolescent years. Jim, you will be missed.

Angie Wester

October 4, 2009

What a wonderful friend I will always remember you for all your kindness to me and my boys! I am so honored to have you to call my friend, my deepest sympathy to everyone you touched, Angie Wester,Sam and Jake

Carl G. Lopp

October 3, 2009

I wish to extend my condolences to the family of Jim. He was always full of life and laughter and we shared many wonderful times together with our mutual passion for cars. I shall always remember him on the concours field at Pebble Beach or the Breakers, immaculately attired, sharing his insights and driving a Maston Gregory run down Ward Parkway.
Forza my friend!

Linda Pearson

October 2, 2009

To the Vandergrift and Haney Families:

I wish to extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy to your families in the sudden passing of your loved one. I am truly sorry for your loss. I am sorry I did not get the chance to get to meet and know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Right now it is probably hard for you to believe that he is really gone. Just know, that through your love for him, he will always be with you in your heart and in your fondest memories of him.

Linda

Phil Corder

October 1, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Melissa and Junior Minks

October 1, 2009

Mr. V will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful man and Hanna Rubber just won't be the same without him.

Anne Antonacci

October 1, 2009

Although I never met Mr. Vandergrift, I know that he was a most caring and unique individual, and a very generous person. May God bless all who mourn this loss, both family and dear friends. May God reward Jim for his kindness to so many.

Jack Platt

October 1, 2009

Nobody can say that Jim didn't love life!! I know that you are up there in Heaven Jim, reunited with my Dad...reminiscing about old times, old friends and old cars. I remember going with my Dad down to Hanna Rubber to visit Jim...those were memorable times obviously. I will miss seeing you Jim, sitting there at the Peter's Halloween Party...havin a glass of wine and greeting all who entered...you were a special person in your brief time here with us...
may god bless you and your family...

Hank Minks Sr

October 1, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers goes out to Mr Vandergrift's family.

Martha Cucco

October 1, 2009

Jim's kindness and generosity touched so many lives. May your hearts be filled with happy memories as you celebrate a life lived to the fullest!

Terry and Sherry Moseley

October 1, 2009

Sherry and I were so sad to hear of Jim's passing but know that his whole life was filled with happiness, friends and celebrating life. What a wonderful way to live. We will miss him. Terry and Sherry Moseley

Yvonne Huber

October 1, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Yvonne Huber, Switzerland
Ines & Maurcie Angeloz, Switzerland

October 1, 2009

hello jmmy
25 years agong i was working vor you.
i am yvonne huber from switzerland.
my siter ines angeloz and hear husband
maurcie angeloz will i allwaya have good merory of y

Leslie Graves

October 1, 2009

Dear jim, so many people will miss you here in Kansas City.

September 30, 2009

Jimmy,

I am so honored I was with you at the end of your wonderful life. My life will never be the same without you. I will miss you forever.

Love always, JC

Theresa and George Barton

September 30, 2009

A man of laughter, wit, intelligence, warmth and charm. How we shall miss you... You made the world a better place!

Peter R.

September 30, 2009

You were always a fun and gracious friend Jim -
- You will be missed by many -

September 30, 2009

Our sincere sympathy to the Family and Friends of Mr. V.

Dennis & Cindy Newton
Olathe, KS

Marc Robinson

September 30, 2009

Jim, Godspeed to you! You've been a good friend for many years. We shared
great times together---in Kansas City,
NYC, Pebble Beach and Palm Beach. It was always a highlight to be with you!
Farewell, JBV; Holly and I will miss you!

r p

September 30, 2009

RIP mr. V

David Maroney

September 30, 2009

We were deeply saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was a fun loving and generous person who gave much of himself in helping others to grow. May his memories live on in all those he so deeply touched. David & Rosemary Maroney, Reading, MA.

Barb Sinnett

September 30, 2009

Sincere condolences to the Vandergrift family. Has been my pleasure to work with the Hanna Rubber Company staff and Mr V. We will miss him very much.

Hans Peter

September 30, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear about Jim’s last few days with us in this life. Jim made so many Children growing up with him feel as if we were his own. I will always be grateful to Jim as my business mentor over the years. The doors he opened for me by taking me to Rotary Club and the wealth of experience he shared over the years was priceless. Jim’s guidance helped me avoid so many pitfalls business owners face while learning on the job. Jim was always available for me and I cherish the time we had together.
I will miss him dearly.

Harald Peter

September 30, 2009

Dear Jim,

When I met you in Pennsylvania, JB, your great Dane was tied to a Buttonwood tree, while you were lovingly explaining Jane how to slice an onion. Seems like it was yesterday. In the decades we have known each other it was always a highlight to be with you, in Europe or your homes in America. And thank you for being the exceptional friend you were to me and my family. You WERE family and always will be remembered as such. Your life was a classic work of art, one that is impossible to copy.

Of all the friends I have known, you will be a true legend. And legends live on forever. Kansas City won’t be the same without you.
Farewell my friend and fellow Turtle.

Harald

kate Moore-Moryl

September 30, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Al Kelly

September 30, 2009

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr Vandergrift. I had the privilege of working for Mr V since the early 1970's. He was a good man, so kind and thoughtful. He will be deeply missed by so many family members, friends and employees.

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