1918
James
2011
James Gatchell
March 22, 1918 — April 21, 2011
James W. Gatchell, age 93, died April 21, 2011at home at Sunrise of Leawood, surrounded by his family. A memorial service for the family will be held at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, where James’ cremation ashes will be inurned in the Columbarium. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri in support of the Church’s outreach mission to serve those in need in the Kansas City area.
James was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 22, 1918, the son of James and Nellie Gatchell. He was a life long area resident. He attended Kansas City public schools and graduated from Westport High School. During his youth, James spent his summers working in his father’s veterinary clinic and Strongheart brand dog food factory. He became an Eagle Scout. James enrolled at Kansas State University with the intention of pursuing a veterinary career. At K-State he became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and recently received his 75 year Beta pin. However, after two years, he realized that being a veterinarian was not his calling and he transferred to and graduated from the University of Kansas City in 1940. Following graduation, James enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October, 1940. On January 3, 1942 James married his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Dominick. James served with the 8th Air Force in England during World War II. He rose to the rank of Major and was the Group Communications Officer in charge of all communications and radar support for the 20th Fighter Group.
Following his return from the War, James established a manufacturer’s representative business, J. W. Gatchell Co., specializing in the electrical products industry. During his decades of service in this industry, James came to be widely respected by electrical contractors and distributors in Missouri and Kansas as a man whose word was his bond and who would go the extra mile for his customers. James sold his company to CBM, Inc. in the 1980s, and retired from CBM in 1988. During his retirement years, James enjoyed swimming at Homestead Country Club and the YMCA. He and Dottie loved the trips they took with friends to destinations in Europe, Asia and South America. Blessed with a keen intellect, James loved reading and always had an open book next to his favorite chair. He found service as a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital particularly fulfilling.
James is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy D. Gatchell; a daughter, Judy (Dale) Peterson, Billings, Montana; and two sons, Kip (Ruth) Gatchell, Dallas, Texas, and David (Julie) Gatchell, Leawood. He is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the outstanding caregivers at Sunrise of Leawood and Grace Hospice for the outpouring of love and support that filled James with peace and repose. What a gift they have given to him and his family. James will be remembered by his family, friends and former business colleagues as “Jamie,” a quiet, self-effacing man of integrity and loyalty who placed the needs of others before his own interests. He taught us all the power of persistent commitment to the values he cherished. He was a prototype of the Greatest Generation.
James was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 22, 1918, the son of James and Nellie Gatchell. He was a life long area resident. He attended Kansas City public schools and graduated from Westport High School. During his youth, James spent his summers working in his father’s veterinary clinic and Strongheart brand dog food factory. He became an Eagle Scout. James enrolled at Kansas State University with the intention of pursuing a veterinary career. At K-State he became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and recently received his 75 year Beta pin. However, after two years, he realized that being a veterinarian was not his calling and he transferred to and graduated from the University of Kansas City in 1940. Following graduation, James enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October, 1940. On January 3, 1942 James married his wife of 69 years, Dorothy Dominick. James served with the 8th Air Force in England during World War II. He rose to the rank of Major and was the Group Communications Officer in charge of all communications and radar support for the 20th Fighter Group.
Following his return from the War, James established a manufacturer’s representative business, J. W. Gatchell Co., specializing in the electrical products industry. During his decades of service in this industry, James came to be widely respected by electrical contractors and distributors in Missouri and Kansas as a man whose word was his bond and who would go the extra mile for his customers. James sold his company to CBM, Inc. in the 1980s, and retired from CBM in 1988. During his retirement years, James enjoyed swimming at Homestead Country Club and the YMCA. He and Dottie loved the trips they took with friends to destinations in Europe, Asia and South America. Blessed with a keen intellect, James loved reading and always had an open book next to his favorite chair. He found service as a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital particularly fulfilling.
James is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy D. Gatchell; a daughter, Judy (Dale) Peterson, Billings, Montana; and two sons, Kip (Ruth) Gatchell, Dallas, Texas, and David (Julie) Gatchell, Leawood. He is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the outstanding caregivers at Sunrise of Leawood and Grace Hospice for the outpouring of love and support that filled James with peace and repose. What a gift they have given to him and his family. James will be remembered by his family, friends and former business colleagues as “Jamie,” a quiet, self-effacing man of integrity and loyalty who placed the needs of others before his own interests. He taught us all the power of persistent commitment to the values he cherished. He was a prototype of the Greatest Generation.
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