James Stears

James C. Stears, 89, of Independence, MO passed away Friday, December 6, 2013. A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10th at Carson Speaks Chapel. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 11th at the chapel. Burial will be at Buckner Hill Cemetery. Jim was born June 4, 1924 in Independence, MO, as the youngest of six children to Arthur Frank and Minnie Cymisha (Gilliland) Stears. He graduated from William Chrisman High School. Jim proudly served in the Army during WWII. He married Pauline (Johnson) in 1945 and together they raised two children. Jim worked for Gleaner Harvester turned Allis-Chalmers turned Deutz-Allis turned AGCO, for the duration of 42 years. He started as a draftsman and retired in 1985 as Superintendent of Maintenance. A man of many hobbies, Jim enjoyed camping, water skiing, hunting, photography, and radio control airplanes. His adventurous side led him to become an Airplane Pilot where he took a solo trip to Alaska. He was a member of the Missouri Pilot Association, QB’s Flying Club, Master of a Masonic Lodge, President of the Mitchell Flying Club, and the “Flying Fez” with Shriner’s, where he flew children to Shriner’s Hospitals. He and his wife are long time members of the Christ United Methodist Church. He is loved and will be missed. Jim is survived by wife, Pauline of the home; son, Dan Stears and wife Sharyl of Independence, MO; daughter, Gloria Light and husband Mike of Andover, KS; grandchildren; Danny Lee and Hannah both of Independence, MO; Shawn Light and wife Lindsy of El Dorado, KS; Scott Light and wife Annetta of Andover, KS; great grandchildren, Landon, Brennan, Colin, and Evan; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Roy, Edwin, Frank and Kenny and sister, Dorothy Faulkner. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)