James Earl Grow (September 6, 1944 – March 10, 2026)

James “Jim” Earl Grow , age 81, passed away on March 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, community service, and an unwavering devotion to his family.

A Child at Heart and a Humorist

Jim was forever a child at heart. He lived for the sound of laughter and possessed a tireless mission to make others smile. A natural storyteller, he was always ready with a joke—many of which were famously (and perhaps intentionally) inappropriate. While his specific brand of humor was sometimes hard to track, his persistence was unmatched; he eventually provoked a laugh or a grin from everyone. He brought a sense of play and wit to every room he entered.

The Quintessential Handyman

Jim was a man of action who believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing himself. A self-taught mechanic and craftsman, he possessed a rare technical mind. Whether he was diving into the complexities of transmissions and brakes or rebuilding an engine from the ground up, he met every challenge with patience. He even purchased an old Isuzu Trooper specifically as a project to master the art of the engine rebuild.

His home in Kansas City stands as a testament to his skill. Over the years, Jim transformed his house with his own two hands—remodeling the attic and bathrooms, re-wiring the electrical system, and updating the plumbing. From hanging drywall to building fences, he was a "handyman" in every sense of the word.

Journey, Purpose, and Community

Originally from Jackson, Michigan, Jim moved to Florida as a child before settling in Kansas City in his twenties.

His life was defined by a diverse and remarkable career, ranging from diving for live sponges in the Gulf of Mexico in the late 1960s, to serving as the beverage manager for the Kansas City Club in the early 1970s.

He spent the 1980s and 90s as a long-haul truck driver, seeing the country from the cab of a Peterbilt tractor. His early fascination with computers in the 90s directly influenced his sons, sparking their successful careers in cybersecurity and e-sports.

Jim was also a dreamer who turned ideas into community action. As a neighborhood activist and founder of Westport Neighbors United , he fought tirelessly for the peace and safety of its residents.

A Man of Words and Will

In his later years, Jim traded his tools for a pen, crafting military spy thrillers and mafia crime mysteries. Most importantly, he left behind the written story of his own life—a final gift for his family to cherish. He was a man of incredible resolve, famously giving up alcohol and cigarettes "cold turkey" the moment his sons were born. He was a patriot who loved his country, but his greatest pride was his 50-year marriage to his "best friend," India.

Family First, Always

Jim’s life was defined by his accessibility. No matter the hour or the task, if family called, Jim answered.

His parents were James Alvord Grow and Sarah Ruth Deringer. He was preceded in death by his three older sisters, Darlene Euola Kirkby, Garnette Faye Grow, and Sondra Reva Grow.

He is survived by: His beloved wife: India May Boone Grow. His sons: James Morgan Grow and Robert Danton Grow. His grandchildren: Solomon Loyde DellaPenna and Claudia Katherine Grow. His Nieces: Cynthia Sue Watson, Sarah Louise Groom Sankey, Dawn Marie Boone Prince

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no formal services will be held. His family will keep his remains close, honoring his memory privately.