James Barbour

James Roberts Barbour, 81 of Independence, MO passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018. The family will greet friends on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. A short memorial service will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the chapel. The family will continue to receive guests following the service. Jim was born October 2, 1936 to James Woodruff and Pauline (Roberts) Barbour. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1954, received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1958, and proudly served in the US Army. Jim began working in the family business, Barbour Concrete Company until he retired as owner and President in 1996. He was a devoted Christian and long-time member and Deacon of the First Baptist Church in Independence. He was a founding member of the National Precast Concrete Association, member of the Independence Chamber of Commerce and Independence Council for Economic Development, Rotary and APWA, the Shrine Temple and the Loyal Order of Jesters of the Shrine and many other community groups through the years. Jim was blessed with the gift of conversation, a witty sense of humor and many wonderful life long friends. Some of Jim’s most treasured times were spent with family and friends at the Lake of the Ozarks and with his friends in Dinner Club. Jim loved to travel, visiting destinations around the globe. He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Daneen Streeter Barbour. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Bettye; daughter, Amy Burnett and husband Scott of Odessa, MO; son, Dan Barbour and wife Heather of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Kristin Satyavelu (Clinton), Jamie Jensen (Tim), Matt Barbour, Cameron Burnett, Kyle Burnett and Addison Barbour; step children, Sandy Claibourne, Stacy Claibourne and Alyssa Garrett (Norb); step grandchildren, Amanda Cryderman (Brian), Callie Hagood (Matt), Seth Kays (Sebrina), Hannah Kays, Taylor Garrett and Peyton Garrett; and nine great grandchildren. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the nurses, caregivers and staff at Benton House in Blue Springs for their care of Jim. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Daneen S. Barbour Scholarship Fund at the National Precast Concrete Association, 1320 W. City Center Dr., Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)