James B. Case passed away at the John Knox Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, MO on March 15, 2026. Jim was born on August 13, 1936, in Deer Lodge Montana. However, shortly thereafter the family moved back to Missouri where he spent most of his life. He graduated from Jefferson City Senior High School in 1954 and attended the University of Missouri where he was a member of the Air Force ROTC. He graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering and his love of learning would lead him to later earn an MS in Mechanical Engineering from KU and an MBA from Amber University. Upon graduating from MU, he entered active duty in the Air Force, with the first year spent at St. Louis University earning a meteorology certificate. His remaining time in the Air Force was spent as a weather forecaster. His civilian career included 16 years at the Amoco Refinery in Sugar Creek, MO, followed by consultant jobs in Dallas and Wichita, before returning to the Kansas City area to work for The Pritchard Corporation (later acquired by Black & Veatch).
He married Ruth Ann Schneider on August 29, 1958 and they had two children. He was active in Scouts with his son, Brad, and spent many hours driving his daughter, Karen, and her friends to high school football and basketball games.
Jim was an avid tennis player, playing in a foursome at the Carriage Club for many years. He also enjoyed biking and for seven years rode the annual Katy Trail ride between Clinton and St. Charles. He was a loyal MU supporter and for over 20 years had football season tickets. Jim was a Presbyterian, attending church regularly until his health made it impossible for him to continue.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; a son, James B. Case, Jr. (Brad) and companion Louann Mayberry; daughter Karen (Bill) Fanelli; brother, Joel Case, sister, Miriam Librach; three grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. A brother, Gordon Case, preceded him in death.
Cremation has taken place with interment in Jefferson City at a later date.
If you wish to make a donation in Jim’s memory, the family suggests contributions to the John Knox Village Foundation, 400 NW Murray Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
