James Thomas Gerke

James Gerke, 71, of Kansas City, MO passed away September 7, 2016. A visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10017 E. 36th Terrace, Independence, MO. Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Contributions may be made to the DAV Building Fund, 8787 Old Santa Fe Road, Kansas City, MO 64138. James was born June 25, 1945 in Sedalia, MO to William and Florence (Twenter) Gerke. James was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he was stationed on the USS Sarsfield. He retired from General Motors, where he had worked for 40 years. James was actively involved with DAV for over 25 years, as well as American Legion and the Moose Lodge. He was an avid reader, fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed attending his ship reunions every year. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joseph and Vincent Gerke; and brother-in-law, Harold Reuter. James is survived by eight siblings, Marie Martin (Frank), David Gerke (Linda), Don Gerke (Deb), Kathy Robb (John), Regina Reuter, Elaine Kinghorn (Ed), Nick Gerke (Cindy), Agnes Hausam (Richard); sister-in-law, Kaye Gerke; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.