James Richard Crouse

James (Jim) Richard Crouse was called home on Saturday, March 30, 2024.  Jim was born to Evelyn B. and William F. Crouse on January 19, 1944 in St. Louis, MO.  He grew up in St. Charles where he graduated from high school.  Jim attended Hannibal-LaGrange College and later transferred to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1974.

While attending the First Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. he met the love of his life, Carol Jeanne Olson, daughter of Henry and Mildred Olson, of Monett. MO.  The two were married in that same church on July 17, 1976 and enjoyed forty-seven years of true happiness.

Jim and Carol moved to Overland Park, KS. in 1978.  Jim managed the Eddy’s Loaf and Stein at Metcalf South Mall for a few years before he found his true calling in helping others navigate the challenges of life.  He became a teacher/counselor for Community Living Opportunities (CLO) in Shawnee Mission, KS.  CLO is a non-profit organization focused on helping adults and children with developmental disabilities.  After retiring, Jim became an Ombudsman for the state of Kansas where he served as a patient advocate for nursing home patients in Olathe, KS.

Jim was a model train enthusiast and collector.  He was a member of the Heart of America Train Collectors Association.  He enjoyed attending model train shows and supplementing his collection.  He had a love of music, especially organ music.  He could literally rattle the rafters when he turned the speakers as high as they could go.  It was never too loud for him.  Jim was a season ticket member of the K.C. Symphony until his health prevented attendance.  He always enjoyed the performances when the organ was featured.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Evelyn Crouse.  He is survived by his wife, Carol; brother, David and Margaret Crouse of Conway, AR.; nephew, Lee and Pauline Crouse of Chillicothe, OH.; niece, Terri and Jonathan Wehmeyer of Kirksville, MO.; niece, Cynthia and Matthew Nason of Spring Hill, KS.; a great nephew Ben Crouse and great-niece Isla Crouse.

Graveside services will be held at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett, MO. on Wednesday, April 3 at 2:00 pm. with Reverend Josh Wollberg of Harrisonville, MO. officiating.  Carol and family will welcome friends at a memorial visitation from 4-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210.  The family has suggested donations to the National Kidney Foundation in lieu of flowers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, 301 Euclid Ave, Monett, MO.