Mission Hills — Jim Whittier, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 19, 2023. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years Margaret Welch Whittier (Hutchinson, Kansas), daughters Stacey McCarthy (Dan McCarthy) of West Newton, Massachusetts, and Jody Madler (Peter Madler) of Mount Prospect, Illinois, in addition to three beloved grandchildren, three nieces and two nephews.
Jim was born November 29, 1937, in Kansas City to Mary Josephine Lundteigen, and Marshall Waldo Whittier. He graduated from Pembroke Hill School then the University of Kansas where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He later returned to earn a J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Jim joined Spencer, Fane, Britt and Browne law firm in 1966, where he later became a Partner practicing corporate law. In 1987, he joined Ferree, Bunn, Rundberg, Radom, and Ridgeway as Of Counsel. He was a longtime member of the Missouri and Kansas Bar Associations.
Jim was a dedicated member of the Kansas City civic community serving as Board Chairman of Children’s TLC, Trustee of Children’s TLC Stepladder Fund, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Prairie Village Police Pension Fund, and President of the Social Health Society of Greater Kansas City. He continued his community service in his role of Treasurer of the Ranch Property Owners Association in Durango, Colorado.
Jim was a longtime, active member of the Mercury Club and the Plaza Breakfast Club. He also enjoyed many rounds of golf and games of tennis with friends and family as a member of the Carriage Club and Lake Quivira Country Club.
In 1996, Marg and Jim built their dream home in Durango, Colorado. This home away from home provided the opportunity for friends and family to join in his passion for fly fishing, skiing, hiking and off–roading in his treasured red Jeep Wrangler.
Jim cherished his family and friends, and through his example, set the family standard for the roles of loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. He will be missed by many in the Kansas City, and Durango communities who were touched by his philanthropy, intellect, kindness, and dry sense of humor.
The family requests any donations in his honor be sent to Ability KC’s Mary Shaw Branton Therapeutic Preschool or Wayside Waifs.