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James J. Levitt
May 10, 1943 - Jun 17, 2022

James J. Levitt was born May 10, 1943 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kansas City, where he died June 17, 2022.  Raised in Kansas City, educated at Southwest High School, Central Missouri State, and Kansas University, Jim was a lifelong resident of Kansas City.

 

Jim is survived by his wife, Millie Jo Levitt, their daughter, J. Ashley Anderson of Kansas City and her children, Jim’s grandchildren, Samuel Snowden Anderson & Katherine Brooke Anderson.   His grandchildren knew him as a patron saint of bulldogs and “JJ, their older friend.”  Also, surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Judy and David Fardon of Chicago, three nephews, and niece. Brothers-in-law, Don and Bernie Hilgert of Nebraska and Mexico. Preceding him in death were his mother, Leona Levitt; father, Melville Levitt; and beloved son-in-law, Kevin Anderson.

 

Levitt was a Broker & bond trader at EF Hutton & Stiefel Nicholas.  He was President and a partner in Chocolate Soup, Inc., an award-winning children's wear manufacturer and retailer of children's clothing with 14 stores.  He applied his business acumen across a variety of ventures.  As President of Eureka Savings, he guided response to challenges from the Savings and Loan Crisis to a successful conclusion.

 

Jim was appreciated by family, friends, and business associates as an independent thinker, who could express his opinions forcefully but with humor.  He was thought of as an “insider's outsider.”  He followed his mantra “search for the truth,” with a fascination for and trust in numbers.  He detested hypocrisy and dishonesty.  His word was his bond.

 

JJ's wit, humor, advice and unconditional love will be missed everyday by his family. 
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Condolences

Barbara Molotsky Jul 10, 2022

Classmate ,Chicago ,Illinois

Millie Jo, Judy told me about Jim last week. So sorry. You were the Golden Couple. I’m sure this is so difficult. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Judy Sears Adel Jul 10, 2022

Friend of family ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I am so very sorry to read of Jimmy’s passing. I knew him as Judi’s little brother in high school. He was our mean little pest. We got a kick out of his antics, anyway. You have our sympathy and our love. He grew to be such a successful and respected man.

Sandy Berg Jul 10, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Millie (Jo); I was so sad to read of Jim's passing in the paper today. Jim was a terrific friend (as were you) and I am so sorry we lost touch. I loved Jim's sardonic sense of humor and spending time with both of you. My sympathy goes out to you and Ashley. That's a big loss after so many years together. Sandy Berg

Don Hilgert Jul 10, 2022

Brother inLaw ,Lincoln ,Nebraska

🙏💕🙏 Jim will be missed by friends & Family !!! R.I.P. JJ !!!

ROBERT BAZAN Jul 10, 2022

family friend ,springfield ,Missouri

Jim was my mentor, boss, and FRIEND for nearly forty years. Smartest businessman I ever knew. Quick witted and loved his antique calculator with the broken keys. Jo and Ashley, I am so for your loss. I miss you both.

Cathy Rodgers Jul 10, 2022

Friend ,Liberty ,Missouri

Jim was a truly kind man and I am sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to Jo and his family. I will never forget his big booming voice and generous heart.

Eric Korsten Jul 10, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and condolences to Jo and Ashley

Charlotte Kerner Jul 10, 2022

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

My thoughts are with the entire family during this difficult time. Jim's wit, intelligence and strong voice will be missed.

Dennis Ditch Jul 12, 2022

Friend ,Garden City ,Missouri

Jo I am so sorry thanks for sending me an email. I worked for Jim and had him as a friend for years. His grasp of numbers was just amazing. I have many fond memories of Jim and Jo over the years. He was always there to support and encourage you. Just an all around fantastic FRIEND

Loretta Lackey Jul 13, 2022

Friend ,Blue Springs ,Missouri

Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to Jo and Ashley. I know Jim will be dearly missed. I have many, many good memories from my time at Chocolate Soup. I enjoyed working with Jim and Jo, and made many lasting friendships with others from Soup. Jim always believed in me, and gave me chances to learn and grow with the company. I wore many hats there! Thank you for all of the good times and opportunities! Rest In Peace, Jim.

Nancy Jones Blake Jan 30, 2024

Employee from Chocolate Soup ,Germantown ,Tennessee

Jim was my boss and mentor at Chocolate Soup . His understated genius and humility was always present in conversation . His humor just a strike away at any moment . His mastery of numbers was extraordinary. Jim loved his family above all. He was kind and generous . He was a great man and will be missed forever by those who knew him . To Jo and Ashley and beloved grandchildren Sam and Katherine I am sending you my deepest sympathies, love , hugs, and prayers for comfort.

Harvey Michael Burstein Apr 14, 2024

Close Friend! ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Jo and Ashley, As you know, Jim and I were very close in High School, college, and beyond. Belatedly, I'm so very sorry for your loss, but I just found out----nobody bothered to tell me .