James Franklin Vereecke

James “Jim” Vereecke was born on January 31, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri to parents Maurice and Josephine (DeBoever) Vereecke.  They were proud of their Belgian heritage. He died peacefully at the home, in the early morning of September 10, 2023.

Jim was a very generous and kind man, who never knew a stranger.  

Jim married Barbara (Moore) Vereecke in 1958. Jim and Barbara had six children. James Vereecke (Robin), Julia Millay (Michael), Susan Gervy (Gregory), Sharon Henes (Robert), Cynthia Vereecke and Maurice Vereecke.  Later in life he was gifted another child, Catherine Shull (Matthew) who cared for him in the home until the time of his death.  In total Jim had 14 grandkids and 17 great-grandkids, who lovingly called him “Grandpa Jim”.  To his countless nieces and nephews, he was fondly called “Uncle Jim”. He is also survived by his brother Joseph (Susie).

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, brother John (Lois) and sister Judy (George).

Early in life Jim enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially his Triumph.  He worked as a construction worker most of his life.  

Later in life, Jim’s kids made him travel.  His daughters took him on road trips all over the country.  His travels often went through St. Louis where he could see his favorite person Terry and eat at Fast Eddy’s.  His sons and son-in-law took him on countless fishing trips where Jim was a little smarter than everyone else in the boat. 

Jim enjoyed his me on the lake with a fishing pole in his hand and wood-working in the garage.  He enjoyed growing a garden every year, with many tomato plants, just so he could share with his neighbors.  A tradition passed on by his loving parents.

He was loved by three dogs (Archie, Josie and Frankie) that kept a close eye over him until the end.  

Thanks to everyone who called, visited and prayed for Dad the past year.  

Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 600 N. Liberty Street, Independence, Missouri, 64050. Visitation on will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m.  Burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.