JAMES (JIM) WILFRED RETHMEYER, JR.

James (Jim) Wilfred Rethmeyer, Jr. of Belton and Raymore Missouri passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017 at approximately 10 am at the age of 85. Jim was born February 6, 1932 to James Wilfred Rethmeyer, Sr. and Gladys Viola Rethmeyer nee Griffith in Washington, Missouri. He had two sisters, Mary Ann and Bette who he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents and both sisters.

He is survived by his dear, sweet bride of 63 years, Laura Belle Rethmeyer nee Dill.
He is also survived by children Steve (Karen) Rethmeyer, Linda Hattock and Doug (Sharon) Rethmeyer; grandchildren Justin (Emily) Rethmeyer, Jasmine (Casey) McQuerry nee Rethmeyer, Kyle (Melissa) Hattock, Alycia (Jacob) Lester nee Hattock, Kyle (Emilee) Greig, Brady Greig and fiancé Jill Lenertz and Bryan Greig and great-grandchildren Grayson Hattock, Kensley Hattock, Beckham Hattock, Jaxon Lester, Evalyn Lester, Madelyn Rethmeyer and baby Greig on the way.

James Sr. moved his family several times with his highway department career but they settled in Sullivan, Missouri during Jim's teenage years where he graduated from Sullivan High School in 1950. Classmates gave him well-deserved and fond nicknames of Shmoe, Bones and Genius.
Jim worked many summers at Meramec Caverns for his future (unbeknownst to him) bride's uncle, Les Dill. Jim had many roles beginning at the ripe, old age of 13 ranging from placing bumper placards (today's bumper stickers) on vacationer's cars to being a cave tour guide. Many stories of Jim's employment there were to be told throughout his life.

Jim attended Missouri School of Mines (MSM), aka University of Missouri Rolla, aka Missouri Science & Technology and one summer, he began dating the love of his life, Laura Belle Dill. The pair was married on December 27th, 1953. Jim graduated from MSM in December, 1954 with a BS degree in civil engineering, an accomplishment he was very proud of.

He worked for Black & Veatch, engineering and consulting firm his entire career until he retired in 1993. Because he never opted for a new chair when the office furniture was upgraded, an old, wooden office chair was given to him when he retired with a plaque that read "Dedicated to Jim Rethmeyer at his retirement and worn slick by years of brain power".

Jim enjoyed many hobbies like woodworking, all types of word puzzles, painting signs, gardening (lots of gardening!) and growing champion dahlia flowers. He never did anything partway. When he entered flower contests, he always came home with many ribbons and trophies and the best-in-show award several times. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He always treated his children equally and was as honest and sincere as a person could be. Jim and Laura served the church wherever they were located including many years at Ruskin Heights Baptist Church in south Kansas City and First Baptist Church in Raymore.

Jim was very detailed. If you were undertaking a project that involved construction or painting no matter how small or large, he always had some input. You might sit down with him and discuss building a shelving unit or painting your entire house and when you walked away, you had an engineering-quality specification complete with expert drawings, measurements and calculations. Laura has said many times, "If Jim is involved with building something, it will withstand a tornado!"

He liked automotive memorabilia especially anything related to Route 66. He had several interesting stories about a car he had owned or a car trip. He also talked of adventures from his years of working at Meramec Caverns like when Les Dill would fire all of them and then hire them back the next day. Jim's stories were always interesting and funny even if you had heard them several times.

In his often subtle way, he touched many people throughout his life.
We are grateful for his ascension and eternal life in heaven but Jim, dad, grandpa is and will be greatly missed!

Funeral services will be 12:00 Noon, Thursday, November 9, 2017 at The First Baptist Church in Raymore, MO with visitation prior from 10:00-12:00 at the church. Burial will follow the services at Longview Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Raymore 116 S Washington St., Raymore, MO 64083.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO 816.322.5278