James Halpin

James Thomas “Jim” Halpin, 55, of Wellington, MO lost his battle with a ferocious cancer on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at home, never losing hope that he could win. He was lovingly supported in this war by many loyal family members and friends.
He is survived by his wife Connie; his stepsons Joel (Alexa) Meister and Lane (Anita) Meister; stepdaughter Lauren Kennedy and his beautiful grandsons, Peyton and Remington. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas James Halpin in 2008. His mother, Marilyn Halpin; sisters, Annie (Tom) Smith and Nancy Mense; brothers, Tim (Dianna) Halpin and Tony Halpin; aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews survive him, as well as his adoring coonhound Comfort.
First and foremost, Jim was an honorable man and a faithful friend. His father told him that his word should always be good. He loved with all his heart and was devoted to his grandboys.
Jim loved anything related to engines and wheels and was an avid motorcyclist. He and Connie attended the Sturgis motorcycle rally thirteen years running and enjoyed the companionship of friends from all over. These trips became more like reunions as years went by. He and Connie enjoyed refurbishing cars and other projects together at the home he loved. Jim’s favorite winter pastime was watching (and coaching) KU basketball.
Jim last worked at Matt Ford, and was treated like family there. He had previously worked in construction and in other automobile and Harley-Davidson stores in sales and finance.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until service time, with Rev. Bob Kaps officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to a college fund for his grandchildren c/o Metcalf Bank, 100 S. Hudson, Buckner, MO 64016 or to the Spearfish Canyon Foundation, www.spearfishcanyon.com