John Richard Bullard Jr.

John Richard Bullard, Jr., 64, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Centerpoint Medical Center, after his courageous battle with COVID-19. A visitation to honor John will be held on Thursday, August 19, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a funeral service the following day, Friday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m., both at the Community of Christ Auditorium, 1001 W. Walnut, Independence, Missouri 64050.

John was born on August 24, 1956, in Kansas City, MO to John R. Bullard Sr., and Barbara (Johnson) Bullard. He was involved in the Boy Scouts from a young age. John earned his Eagle Scout and was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He graduated from Raytown High School in 1974 and attended community college, where he received two associates degrees.

John began his 46-year career with the Independence Police Department in 1975 as a civilian dispatcher. He became a commissioned police officer in 1977 after graduating from the Kansas City Regional Police Academy.

During his career as a Police Officer, John served in many areas to include the traffic unit, the motorcycle unit, and the accident investigation unit.

John was promoted to sergeant in 1995 and assigned to the department's patrol division. In 1998, he transferred to the police K-9 unit and became the unit supervisor. During his time in the K-9 unit, John, along with his team, developed the unit into a program that earned recognition as one of the premier canine training facilities in the Midwest.

After leaving the department's K-9 unit, John transferred to the Detective unit where he became one of the unit Detective Sergeants until his retirement in 2011.

After John retired, he remained very active in the Independence Police Department's reserve unit while simultaneously working as Director of Safety and Security for the Community of Christ Church International Headquarters, where he had previously volunteered on the World Conference security team and was also President of the Community of Christ Professional Law Enforcement Officers Association. He continued to hold this position until his death.

John was active in the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1 where he served as lodge President and Secretary. He also served as the National Trustee, President and Vice President for the State Lodge. Other associations John was active in included; The Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council; The North American Working Dog Association. John was currently working as an adjunct instructor with the Western Missouri Public Safety Regional Training Institute.

John and Terri's love story began in February 2014 while Terri was also serving as a Police officer for the Blue Springs Police Department. One of their common bonds was their love for serving the community. Together, they also enjoyed season tickets to New Theater as well as the Heartland Theater; they enjoyed trips to Silver Dollar City, especially during Christmas time and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. John was a devoted husband, son, father, and grandpa.

John is survived by his wife, Terri of Independence, MO; his parents, John, and Barbara also of Independence, MO; daughter, Jennifer (Ryan) Baker of Lee’s Summit, MO; son, James Bullard of Oak Grove, MO and stepdaughters, Stephanie (Josh) Leasure of Zephyrhills, FL, and Emily (Ron) Hurley of Independence, MO; two brothers, Ron (Ceresa) Bullard of Billings, MO and Don Bullard of Independence, MO; grandchildren (listed in birth order), Michael, Lily, Lauren, Adelynn, Joseph, Luke, Cara, Easton, Hope, and Saylor. He is also survived by a large family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, many friends and all his brothers and sisters in blue.

John was preceded in death by three of his K-9 partners: Kemo, Hondo and Daro.

James 1:25, “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

In honor of John, the family suggests donations to be made to Independence Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge # 1, at 18300 MO-78, Independence, MO 64057 or In the name of John R. Bullard, the Independence Police Foundation for Independence Police K-9’s. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).

*******Masks or face coverings are required for entry into the Auditorium.*******