James Cathey

James R. Cathey, 95, Kansas City, MO passed away peacefully, Friday, November 2, 2018 at Jefferson Healthcare. Services will be 10 am, Friday, Nov. 9 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055; interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Thursday at the chapel.
Jim was born in a one room house on Sept. 4, 1923 in Cherry Valley, Arkansas to Sam and Birtie (Catts) Cathey. As a boy he worked 40 acres with the mule, Nick, his dog Jeff and a borrowed plow. He grew and picked cotton and corn, baled hay and raised a garden for his family. As an older youth Jim worked on the Civilian Conservation Corp program.
Jim served with the U. S. Army during WW II from 1943 to 1946 then enlisted in the reserves. He attended Arkansas State College and graduated in three years with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at which time the Army reactivated him for the Korean Conflict. He served 1949-1953 in charge of equipment and supply in Japan and in this position worked with many displaced Japanese whose cities were destroyed in WW II. They formed a bond of mutual respect and he said they worked well, learned quickly and held no grudge.
Discharged as a Master Sergeant, he moved to Kansas City, MO where he worked a short time at the Washington Hotel. He eventually was employed by Curry Real Estate and became head of the Insurance department until his retirement in 1988.
On September 21st, 1963 he wed the love of his life, Florence Spinner and dedicated himself to her and his new family. Jim played the guitar and harmonica in Church as a youth and Florence played guitar and sang. Jim would pick up the guitar and play it on occasion or play the harmonica.
As an adult he was private about his worship of God but held very strong beliefs. He was a hard worker and was loved and respected by his family and everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Birtie (Catts) Cathey, sister Virginia Thompson, son Timothy Spinner and wife Florence Cathey.
He is survived by brother Carl Cathey and wife Gloria; daughters Sharolyn Mineo and husband Gary, Linda Stripling and Glenda Becknal; grandchildren John Mineo, Michelle Helton and husband Richie, Don VanDyke and wife Michelle, Terry VanDyke and wife Tanya, Rik VanDyke, Dana Donn and husband Travis, Sarah Grantham and husband Bobby, Kevin Becknal, and Kirk Spinner; nineteen great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren with four on the way and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital Plaza, St. Luke’s Hospital East, Jefferson Healthcare and Three Rivers Hospice.
Pallbearers: Don VanDyke, Terry VanDyke, John Mineo, Ross Mineo, Richie Helton and Garrett Stacy.