James E. Hammond

James Earl Hammond, 78, of Kansas City, was born April 24, 1942, in Grandview, Missouri, the son of Vivian Monroe and Leta Mildred (Smith) Hammond. James was raised by Samuel Murray Manford (husband of Mildred) as one of his own. He departed this life, Friday, December 11, 2020, at the Kansas City Hospice House surrounded with love and family.

James grew up in the rural Johnson County area along with his two brothers and two sisters and several cousins. He was a 1960 graduate of Holden High School.

James was united in marriage to Geraldine Robinette in 1963; they later divorced.

James was a generous and dedicated father, brother and friend. He especially loved spending time with his family. He was known for sharing stories, with great wisdom. He is missed deeply.

Jim had a successful, extensive career in automotive unibody repair, and was an expert collision repair specialist for several of the area Ford dealerships. He enjoyed the great outdoors bass fishing, hunting, canoe trips with the family and friends. Jim was an avid aviator, piloting his Cessna which was a passion he shared with friends and family alike. He was a member of the U.A.W. Union, the National Wild Turkey Foundation, National Rifle Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Club, Bass Masters, Safari Club, and Ducks Unlimited.

His hobbies included big game hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by three children Vincent (and Fiancé Karen Massop) of Kansas City; Kim (and Gabe) Sweitzer of Harrisonville and Dana (and David) Madden of Independence; one step daughter Diana (and Buck) Yates of Lowry City; seven grandchildren, Andres Flores, Derek (and Tracy) Hensley, Kayla Hensley, Travis Yates, Sarah (and Brian) Cook, Trent Sweitzer, Brock Sweitzer; three great-grandchildren, Mia Flores, Dallas Hensley, and Hunter Cook; two brothers Lloyd (and Nancy) Hammond of Holden, and Larry (and Nan) Hammond of Page, Arizona; two sisters Samellen (and David) Holm of Grain Valley, and Maryann Darden of Piedmont, Missouri; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday December 17, 2020, at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home. Reverend Cliff Woolery will officiate. Interment will be in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket Bearers are David Madden, Derek Hensley, Ronnie Holm, Gabe Sweitzer, Trent Sweitzer, and Brock Sweitzer. Honorary casket bearers are Chris Hammond, Andres Flores, Wayne Fatino, Ron Richter, and Rodney Richter.

Visitation will be held 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missouri Conservationist and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

The family also wants to recognize the Kansas City Hospice House for the wonderful services they provide and would recommend becoming a Sustaining Angel at kchospice.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.stanleydickeyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550.