Dr. John Singleton III

1931 - 2025

Dr. John Milton Singleton III, or Jay, a third-generation Kansas City physician, passed away on December 14, 2025. He was a 1949 graduate of Pembroke-Country Day School, where he excelled as a student and athlete. On the baseball team he had a fierce swing, and on the football field he was well known for jarring tackles. While at Pembroke, he established friendships that endured for a lifetime.

Dr. Singleton was a 1957 graduate of Washington University, Saint Louis, Medical School. His two greatest passions were loving his children and providing excellent medical care for his patients. In a world of five- to ten-minute doctor visits, he normally spent 30-45 minutes with each patient, using his education and intuition to ensure that he knew everything about a patient's health and that the patient knew everything they needed to know about their health. Dr. Singleton didn't just treat symptoms; he treated the whole patient. He made 'house calls' long after they were out of fashion. He was well loved by his patients due to his willingness to listen and invest time.

When not in the office or hospital, Jay enjoyed loading up his children in his 1970 Chevy Suburban, the original SUV, to explore back roads and mountain trails, and float wild and scenic rivers in his Grumman canoe. He was adept at discovering beautiful, isolated spots and thrilling adventures long before they had been overrun by the masses.

He will be remembered as a gentle, caring doctor; a generous, fun-loving friend; and a connoisseur of both Mexican dives and five-star dining. Kansas City has lost another one of its great and unique treasures. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Milton Singleton II and Margaret Emmert Singleton Stafford. He is survived by his five children: Rick Westby (Julie), Ann TIchy (Tom), John Milton Singleton IV (Mary), Helen Piley (Chuck), and Tom B. Singleton; his siblings Ann Pfeifler, Charles M. Singleton, and Kite Singleton; his nine grandchildren: Alex Westby, Olivia and TJ Tichy, Ashley, John and Emily Singleton, Joseph J. Piley, and Ben and Rebekah Singleton; and his great-granddaughter Lillian Mae Howell. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 24 (which would have been his 95th birthday) at Mount Washington Cemetery, Independence, MO with a celebration of life immediately following in the Mount Washington Chapel. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Kansas City Missouri Habitat for Humanity.