James Earl White

James Earl White, 64, was born on August 21, 1955 in Benton, Mississippi to Willard and Mary (Wheeler) White. He was the 7th of 9 children, raised alongside 4 brothers and 4 sisters. The family moved to Kansas City, MO around 1970 and he attended Central High School. At age 20, James and his younger brother L.C. moved to Clearfield, Utah where he attended Job Corps and received a certification in Culinary Arts. After that, he returned to Kansas City and enlisted with the U.S. Army. Private White served from 1975-1979 primarily stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. One of his military badges included Marksman Hand Grenade. After his military service he worked at the Clymer Center, UMKC, and eventually went into Lawn & Landscaping for several years. He was well-known for his skills in trimming and lawn striping.

James enjoyed spending time with his family, hanging out with his brothers and partners, and going fishing at Swope Park lake. His favorite football team was the Oakland Raiders and he would proudly wear his Raiders jacket. He enjoyed listening to old-school music like B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland. If the right song was on like “Before I Let You Go” by Blackstreet or “Must Be Nice” by Lyfe Jennings, then he would get up and two-step. In fact, in 2005 James and his special lady Joann won a two-step contest at Blue Valley Park. For over 20 years, they were blessed to share a beautiful journey together. They had such a special bond and if you saw one you saw the other. They enjoyed spending time with each other whether it was bowling, playing dominoes, or just having conversations about life and family. James grandkids meant the world to him and he was lovingly known as their “paw-paw.”

Bro. White gave his life to Christ at any early age. He was a faithful member of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the Contemporary choir, served on the Usher board and greeted everyone as they entered for worship. His favorite church song was, “Send Me, I’ll Go” which he requested for his memorial service. James truly loved his pastor and church family and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

On Sunday, July 19, 2020, James Earl White was called home. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Willard and Mary White; his brother Willie White; sister Lucille Henderson; brother L.C. White, and a special angel grandson Jahmeir Anderson. His favorite scripture was John 14:3 KJV, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” We find comfort in knowing that God kept His promise and James has earned his wings.

He leaves to cherish his memory: son, James Perry (Chirina) of Grandview, MO; daughter, La’Tashia Anderson (Elijah) of Kansas City, MO; son, Durell Anderson Sr. (Krystal) of Grandview, MO; true love, Ms. Joann Thornton of their home in Grandview, MO; sons LaRoso Thornton (Samantha), and Everett Thornton Jr. (Karen) both of Kansas City, MO. Five brothers and sisters Easter Ashley (Floyd) of Kansas City, MO; Deliza Scott (Fred) of Shreveport, LA; Carrie Moore (Jessie) of Kansas City, KS; Willard White Jr.; and Calvin White (Carolyn) both of Kansas City, MO. Six grandchildren Durell Jr., Quincy, D’Nautica, Jamyla, Sariah, A’Meriah; and a special little niece Lola Minor. Two special aunts Dorothy Porter (Robert) and Willie Bell McColler, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special lifetime friends.

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