James Leonard “Jim” Griggs, 80, of Lee’s Summit, formerly of Lone Jack, was born June 21, 1944, in Braymer, Missouri, the youngest of three children to Leonard and Goldie (Mullikin) Griggs. He departed this life Saturday, February 1, 2024, at the Lee’s Summit Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
In his youth Jim enjoyed participating in sports including baseball and basketball. He accepted the Lord as a teenager and joined the Lone Jack Baptist Church where he remained a life-long member.
On January 31, 1963, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Merleen M. Brown in Savannah, Missouri. They were married 62 years and one day.
Jim worked in the lumber business for 40 years, retiring in 2004 from McCray Lumber Co. While living in Lone Jack he served his community as a Member of Lone Jack C-6 School board, the city council, and as a volunteer fireman. After moving to Lee’s Summit, he served as treasurer for their homeowner’s association. He enjoyed playing solitaire on the computer and was an avid sports fan, especially the Chiefs and Royals. Above all he loved the Lord and his family. Faith and family were the most important things in his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother and sister-in-law Larry and Betty Griggs; sister, Shirley L Marnett; and one grandson, Alexander J. Burger.
He is survived by his wife Merleen; three children, Tammy (and Jerry) Burger of Lakewood, Colorado, Jeffery D. (and Lisa) Griggs of California, Missouri, and Amy S. (and Jon) Kochevar of Pueblo West, Colorado; grandchildren, Roxanne Griggs, Jordan Griggs, Kate Burger, Wyatt Harper, Jason (and Amy) Cordova, Jon (and Gabrielle) Kochevar, Amanda (and Mark) Kochevar; great grandchildren, Roman, Corbin, and Conan Griggs (Mother Alivia), Eloise Griggs, Jacob, Alessandra, Bella, and Mason Cordova; brother-in-law, Walt Marnett of Kansas City; his four legged great grandson, Mowgli; other relatives and friends.
All services will be held Saturday February 8, 2025, at the Lone Jack Baptist Church, 202 S. Bynum Rd., Lone Jack, Missouri 64070.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Pastors Jerry Tharp and Steven Brown will officiate. Interment will be in the T.H. Brown Cemetery near Grain Valley. Casket bearers are Jerry Burger, Kate Burger, Roxanne Griggs, Jordan Griggs, Roman Griggs, Wyatt Harper, and Jon Kochevar. Honorary casket bearer is Alex Burger.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the T.H. Brown Cemetery. Donations may be sent in care of Andrea Gohdes, PO Box 63, Lone Jack, Missouri 64070
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com.
Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550.
