James Harold Palmer

James Harold Palmer, age 61, of Belle, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023, at his residence.

He was born April 27, 1961, in Independence, a son to the late Oscar Leroy and Idress Claudine (Wilson) Palmer.

James was a 1979 graduate of Van Horn High School in Independence and attended Fort Scott Community College. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Independence where he served as a deacon.  

James had been employed at Henry Wurst in North Kansas City for 40 years before moving to the Belle area where he worked as a supervisor for the Lakeside Book Company in Owensville.

On September 3, 1999, he was united in marriage to Pamela Manroe at the Clay County courthouse. Pamela survives of their home near Belle.

James had many passions in his life which included watching and discussing his favorite sports teams (Notre Dame, Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs), sharing his knowledge of baseball by teaching and coaching the future generations of the Kansas City and Independence area, and his family. James was well liked and respected as he was able to harmonize with any crowd or conversation. He had a big heart that guided him to give and provide help to others in need. James faith in God was strong and he had a vast knowledge of the bible. He also had a love of animals, specifically dogs, and leaves four behind; Abby, Leo, Marty, and Opie. Above all, James greatest joy came from time spent with his granddaughters as well as his son and the rest of his family. James will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and anyone who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by: one son, Jeremy Palmer and his wife Jillian and  granddaughters, Evelyn and Norah of Lee’s Summit; one sister, Mildred Briand of Shawnee Mission, KS; one nephew, Aaron Palmer and his wife Kim of Blue Springs, MO; two nieces, Heather Smith and her husband Ian of Seattle, WA and Tracy Caton of Shawnee Mission, KS; and two step-sons, Dreau Newman of Kansas City and Ed Saunders of Nashville, TN as well as many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John Leroy Palmer.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Abundant Life Church located at 112 West 23^rd Street, Independence, Mo 64055. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and memorial services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place following the service in the Mt. Washington Cemetery located at 614 Brookside Ave., Independence, Mo 64053.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of James Harold Palmer.