James L. Goodrich, 96, of Liberty, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, Pleasant Valley Manor in Pleasant Valley, MO.

He was born on December 16, 1929, in Calhoun, MO, to Frank and Ruth (Greeson) Goodrich. After graduating from Calhoun High School in 1947, he answered the call of duty and enlisted in the U.S. Army. His service took him to Japan and then to the front lines of the Korean War, where he served with bravery and distinction. James was a true patriot, rightfully honored with the Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained in combat.

James married the absolute love of his life, Katherine Abner, on Christmas Eve in 1952. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1958, the couple settled in the Kansas City area to build their life together. James worked as a baler operator for the Stone Container Company before retiring.

James was a longtime member of the Liberty Church of the Nazarene and found great community among his fellow veterans at the Liberty VFW Post 4043.

James has now been reunited with his beloved Katherine, his wife of 71 beautiful years, who passed away in 2023, as well as his son, Carl.

He is survived by his son, Jack Goodrich, and his wife, Doris; his sister, Mary Johnson, and her husband, Harold; and his sister-in-law, Mary Louise Goodrich, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss his gentle presence.

To honor James's life a graveside service with full military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Glenridge Cemetery (B Hwy at Shepherd Rd., Liberty, MO 64068).