James R. “Jim” Eschenheimer passed away on October 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 17, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Rudy and Elsie Eschenheimer. His family later moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he grew up.

 

Jim attended Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he met his future wife Barbara Huston. Even at a young age they shared a special bond and their first date took place beneath a mimosa tree in Utica Square. Their paths came together again at the University of Kansas, where their relationship continued to flourish. After graduating in 1964, they married in Tulsa, Oklahoma, continuing their love story. Jim was a devoted husband and father whose love for his family remained constant throughout his life.

 

After college, Jim began Law School, but was called away to Chillicothe to take the helm of the family business for several years. Jim went on to build a successful career as a salesman and business leader in the animal feed, pet care, and wild bird industries. Throughout his career, he built lasting relationships with colleagues and customers.

 

Following several career changes, Jim and his family settled in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, in 1980. He later established his own sales representative agency before becoming Director of Marketing for D & D Commodities Ltd. Although he officially retired in 2008, Jim continued working as an independent sales representative to support his love of golf until his full retirement in 2024.

 

Jim is survived by his daughter, Kristin Eschenheimer, and son-in-law, Bryan Castleberry; his son, Nick Eschenheimer, and daughter-in-law, Whitney Mackey; and his two grandsons, Andrew Eschenheimer and Luke Eschenheimer, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 

Jim had a big personality, a kind heart, and a wonderful sense of humor. His warmth, humor, and unmistakable personality will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

 

A graveside service will be attended by immediate family. A celebration of life, open to all, will follow from 2–4 p.m. on November 7, 2026, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society in Blue Springs, Missouri.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Jim’s memory be made to either of the following organizations:

 

Shriners Children’s Hospitals

P.O. Box 1510

Ranson, WV 25438-4510

 

Lee’s Summit Social Services

108 S.E. 4th Street

Lee’s Summit, MO 64063