James Francis Westhues, 1924-2018

OBITUARY

James F. Westhues. September 29, 1924 – December 24, 2018. Age 94 of Overland Park, Kansas. Survived by his wife of 67 years, Vada Stagner Westhues, whom he adored, and four children: son James M. Westhues (Janean), daughter Brenda Jane Westhues Von Elling (Mark), daughter Sandra Westhues Crow (Raegan), and son Kevin Westhues (Les). Jim is also survived by sister Dolores Westhues Wadle and brothers Gene Westhues and Kenneth Westhues. Preceded in death by loving parents John H. Westhues and Mary Olive Conran Westhues, brother John “Buddy” Westhues and sister Margie Westhues Boschert. Jim leaves us with 12 grandchildren: Ryan, Brandi, Mindy, Taylor, Tyler, Travis, Tami, TJ, Amy, Matt, Alexander, Hunter; and 7 great-grandchildren: McKenna, Addison, Henry, Harrison, Jenni, Sadie, Ashleigh. Jim was born and raised on a farm in Glasgow, Missouri.  He joined the U.S. Army during the delicate period when World War II had ended. Baseball was his passion as a young man. He played professional ball with some of the biggest names in baseball before venturing on to a long and successful career in sales that included being the top national salesman for Fuller Brush. Beyond his obvious loves of God, Vada, his family, baseball and nature, he found so much joy in using his extraordinary gift of gab, in meeting new people, and in the first sign of spring every year. Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass following at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W. 103rd St. Overland Park, KS. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, Jim wished that contributions be made to CHD Families (benefitting children with congential heart defects).