James "Jim" Michael Booth

James “Jim” Michael Booth, 64, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother, passed away from cancer on April 27, 2024, in North Kansas City, Missouri. He was born on June 18th, 1959, in Utica, New York, to Edmund J. Booth, Jr. and Elizabeth A. (Roche) King.

Jim’s life was a testament to his kind, selfless, and hardworking nature. He lived to help others and brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. If you needed a listening ear, a word of advice or a helping hand, Jim was your guy. He grew up in Utica, New York until moving to Kansas City, Missouri with his mom and brothers at the age of 15. He was the second oldest of four brothers and enjoyed spending time at their camp on Oneida Lake and riding around town with his friends. 

After marrying his wife, Pat, in 1985, they went on to enjoy 38 years of marriage, raising two daughters, and creating endless laughs and memories along the way. Not only was Jim a great husband, but he was a great father to his girls, always there to provide wisdom and support. He was a good role model on how to be generous, strong and care for those you love. 

Jim was a graduate of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, where he earned his Bachelor of Business in 1991. He enjoyed a 33-year career dedicated to working in the insurance field where he made many life-long friendships. 

After retiring in 2020, Jim had the joy of watching his granddaughter full-time during the week. It’s easy to say that he loved nothing more than being “Papa Jim”. It was the joy of his retirement years to watch her grow. They enjoyed playing, working in the yard, and attending story time at the library. 

Jim’s passions extended beyond his career and family. As an avid musician, he loved playing the piano, composing songs of his own and putting his own spin on his favorite songs. Jim could also be found working on home projects, cooking specialty dishes for family, and spending time with friends. 

Jim’s battle with cancer lasted a short three months, and although his journey was difficult, he faced it with strength, bravery, dignity, and grace. He kept the nurses and family laughing in tough moments with his witty humor and expressed endless gratitude and kindness to all those who helped him along the way.

Preceding Jim in passing are his father, Edmund J. Booth Jr., mother Elizabeth A. King, step-father Wayne King, and brother John Booth. Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Griffin-Booth, daughters Jacalyn Pina and husband Nicholas Pina, and Katherine McDonald and husband Scott McDonald, granddaughter Caroline McDonald, brothers Michael Booth and Edmund J. Booth III, and niece Jessica Weick.

Jim lived a full life, touching those around him through his humor, acts of service, and unending generosity. He was so dearly loved and will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the wonderful life he lived, the beautiful music he created, and the memories we will cherish forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Park Lawn Northland Chapel in Liberty, Missouri, (1640 Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068). The visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., with the service beginning at 3:00 P.M. An open house to enjoy refreshments, photo albums, and mingle while enjoying Jim's music will follow from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. Location will be provided at the Celebration.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please honor Jim by giving a memorial donation to Kansas City Hospice (https://www.kchospice.org/donate/) or the American Cancer Society (Donate Today | The American Cancer Society).

You may share a message with Jim’s family or sign an on-line guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com.  Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.