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James Patrick "Corky" Corcoran, Age: 70
Jun 08, 1954 - May 04, 2025

James Patrick “Corky” Corcoran lost his courageous battle with cancer on May 4, 2025. He was home and surrounded by family for his final curtain call. Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Leslie, beloved son Jake, “favorite” daughter-in-law Amber, adored grandson Tatum James, and his newest grandson who will arrive in August.

He leaves behind siblings Ann, Sue, John, Kay, Mark, and Jane and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William Thomas and Dorothy Lillian Cox Corcoran, and brothers Tom and Paul.

Jim’s career as a Journeyman Stagehand with I.A.T.S.E. Local #31 began in the late 1970s. He worked non-stop until he retired in 2020 and was highly respected for his work ethic and carpentry skills. Over the years, Jim worked innumerable concerts and shows at just about every venue in the Kansas City area. He would say, "You name the artist, I worked with them”.

Nearest and dearest to his heart however, was the 30 year run he had with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City as Head Carpenter.

The family will host a Celebration of Life sometime in the Fall at the farm in Lone Jack
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Condolences

Shelly Winegar May 07, 2025

Friend and co worker ,Independence ,Missouri

I am truly sorry !! We will all miss him so very much I would love to help in any way possible . Leslie , please reach out to me if I can help you in any way ! Love, Shelly

Sue Anderson May 07, 2025

Suster ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. He was a hardworking guy who was recognized by many in his field as one of the very best there was. He loved his family and was so proud of them and grateful for the love and support they gave him during his battle with cancer. I will certainly be raising a cup filled with a butterscotch shake in his honor. He was loved dearly and will be missed terribly. The world is less sparkly without him in it.

Jane Miscannon May 07, 2025

Favorite sister ,St Louis ,Missouri

Oh big brother, how I admire your fight over the last couple of years. Defying all odds and living longer tha expected and embracing every thing thrown your way with your awesome, amazing smile. I’ll miss your smile, hugs and hearing your laughter but I know you’ve been welcomed with hugs from Dad & Mom, Del, Noah, Tom, & Paul. Thanks for being a great big brother. Lovey your baby & of course your favorite sister.

Terry Dixon May 07, 2025

Fellow JayHawk and brother. ,Longview ,Texas

We loveJimmy and will miss him everyday!! His infectious laugh and strong will will always be remembered. We loved our JayHawk basketball and I could always count on Jim to give the latest scoop on the players and grade the team. Gosh I miss him,

Evan Luskin May 07, 2025

Colleague ,Leawood ,Kansas

I worked with “Corky” for twenty eight years at the Lyric Opera. He knew what he was doing, and was always ready and willing to try and solve the many challenges we ran into back stage. During the financial crisis of 2007-2008, when he knew the Lyric was hard pressed, he suggested that the crew would be willing to postpone their pay raise for a year. Eventually all our unions and the administrative staff followed his lead, and we survived the crisis. He was fun to be around and always upbeat, and I will miss him.

Sadie DeSantis May 08, 2025

Friend and Co-Worker ,Conway ,South Carolina

Corky and I worked together for many years at Lyric Opera of Kansas City. I was one of the ASM's and Stage Managers who had the pleasure of bossing him around. Corky taught me to stand up for myself and had the best laugh ever. We loved giving each other a hard time backstage and I truly cherish the moments we had together. What a guy! Rest Easy my friend, you will be missed! Make sure you build us the best set ever up there for when we all come to the show in the sky!

Sheila Miller (Cisper) May 09, 2025

O'Hara classmate 1972 ,Overland Park ,Kansas

God bless that family of Jim Corcoran. I will remember him and his family in my prayers. So sorry for you loss! Sheila

Ben Julius May 11, 2025

Union brother ,Kansas City ,Missouri

It's hard to put in words what Corky ment to me.A union brother, mentor, friend. If it wasn't for this man I would not be wear i am at in life. We worked together for 23 years at the opera.Cork was one of a kind guy,I will tell Cork stories for long time. I will miss him forever. Go rest high on the mountain Cork you deserve it. RIP BUDDY

Dave and Anita Hartwig May 11, 2025

Lone Jack resident and friend ,Kingsville ,Missouri

Leslie and Jake…we are so sadden to hear of Jim’s passing. We never know how long we have to live and share on this earth. Our hearts go out to you with prayers as you walk this next chapter in your lives. Feel free to reach out with anything we might be able to help you with. Again, we are holding you guys up in prayers, be sure to reach out anytime🙏💕❤️‍🩹

Greg Westfall May 12, 2025

Former coworker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Worked with Corky at The Lyric...late eighties, early nineties. Was there to rebuild The Ring cycle. Toured La Boheme with him. Great guy...definitely one to be missed. I deserved every bit of grief he gave me and very probably more. And I accept that. My most sincere condolences to Leslie and the rest of the family.