James Edwin White

James Edwin "Jim" White, born on February 3, 1940, in Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his hometown on October 8, 2025. Graduating from William Chrisman High School in 1958, he went to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa for one year and then the University of Kansas where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering. A dedicated civil engineer, Jim devoted an impressive 37 years of his career to Burns and McDonnell, where he influenced countless projects with his expertise and commitment to excellence and mentored many young engineers.

Jim was not only an accomplished professional but also a vibrant personality. He was known for his imagination, sense of humor, wisdom, and being a peacemaker. From a young age, Jim was involved in numerous activities that shaped his life. He participated in scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and enjoyed the thrill of soapbox car derbies. Music was integral to his life; he played the trumpet passionately and continued to do so well into his later years. Recently, he created an eight-person brass ensemble, performing at churches and care facilities around the metro area. His last performance was just a few months before his passing, showcasing his everlasting love for music.

Sports were another significant aspect of Jim’s life. He discovered his passion for baseball early on and played consistently from the age of 12 until the remarkable age of 76. He was an active player in senior softball leagues, traveled extensively across the United States and even to Canada for national tournaments, and earned MVP honors multiple times. Jim found joy in many memorable trips spent with his family during their children's youth. After their children grew up, Jim and his beloved wife, Jeannine, shared several adventures together in their big van and pop-up camper. They enjoyed vacations across the U.S. hiking, birding, and visiting National Parks and Monuments. When he wasn’t camping, playing softball, or performing with his music brass ensemble, Jim could be found immersed in hobbies like bird watching, trout fishing, or photographing birds, wildlife, nature, and waterfalls. Through the years, Jim and Jeannine shared a love of animals, especially their dogs and cat.

Jim’s life was also marked by his strong faith. He was an active member of his church, serving as an Elder in the RLDS/Community of Christ Church. His faith guided his interactions with others and served as a cornerstone of his life. Jim's love story with Jeannine began unexpectedly at a church camp in Excelsior Springs. Their relationship blossomed over four years before Jim proposed, leading to their wedding on June 16, 1961. This life partnership was a testament to their shared values, commitment, and many years of cherished memories.

Jim's passing is preceded by his parents, Frank and Lucille White, and his siblings, Maxine Gouldsmith, Ruth Ann Darling, and Frank D. White Jr. His remarkable legacy lives on through his best friend and beloved wife of 64 beautiful years, Jeannine White; their children, Doug White (Rhonda) and Sherri Christian (Brett); their grandchildren, Allison Spicer (Joey), Aleana Christian, Megan Wilkins, and Cory White (Sarah), as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Friends and family will gather on October 20, 2025, at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, Missouri, for a visitation starting at 12:00 PM, followed closely by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Following the service, Jim will be laid to rest at Mound Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Heart of America Humane Society.