James E. Lotspeich

  JAMES E. LOTSPEICH  

James Elvin “Jim” Lotspeich, 87, of Pleasant Hill, was born, February 25, 1932, in the Dayton community near Garden City, the son of James W. and Gladys (Garrett) Lotspeich.  He departed this life, Saturday, September 7, 2019, at the Crown Care Center, Harrisonville.

Jim was a 1950 Garden City High School graduate.

On January 3, 1986, he was united in marriage to Betty L. Shewmaker in Harrisonville.

In the mid 1950’s Jim co-owned and operated Jim’s Skelly Station in Pleasant Hill.  In 1960 he worked for Bendix for a short time and then went to work as a machinist for Western Electric/AT&T in Lee’s Summit. He retired in 1990.

Jim was an active member of the Pleasant Hill Community.  He had served on both the Pleasant Hill City Council and the Pleasant Hill R-III school board.  He was a charter member of the Quarter Back Club; a life member and past commander of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #3118, Pleasant Hill; an active member of the Jewel Lodge #480 A.F. & A.M., Wyoming Chapter #43 R.A.M. and the Cass County Shrine Club; and was past-president of the USS Iowa Ship Association.   He enjoyed crappie fishing, playing golf, and wood working.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bob Lotspeich; four sisters, Naoma Hawn, Juanita Meyers, Ioma Allen, and June Leslie; one great grandson, Clayton Roberts; one stepson Robert Pridgen; and one step-daughter, Connie Green.

He is survived by his wife, Betty of  Pleasant Hill; his daughter, Lori Stiffler of Lee’s Summit; stepdaughter, Kathy (and Rick) Warner of Buffalo, Missouri; 6 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren;  two sisters, Helen Kenny of Clinton, and Wilma Sisk of Garden City; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of many friends.

Visitation was held Tuesday evening, September 10, 2019, at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at the funeral home.  Reverend Butch Shewmaker officiated.   Masonic services were conducted by Mr. Jim Williams and the Final Salute Ceremony was rendered by Mr. Chris Hummel.  Casket bearers at the funeral home were Mike Bush, Trent Gustin, Troy Gustin, Brian Warner, Chris Warner, and Jeremy Warner.  Honorary casket bearers were Ron Beatty, Bob Dustman, Chris Hummel, and Dave Zang.

Burial followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with full military honors by the United States Navy and the V.F.W. Post #3118 Honor Guard and they also served as casket bearers at the cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the V.F.W. Post #3118 Veteran’s Relief Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.