James "Jim" W. Gaskill

James “Jim, Jimbo, Gramps” William Gaskill February 17, 1930 – September 13, 2025 James William Gaskill, lovingly known as Jim, Jimbo, and Gramps, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the age of 95.

 Born on February 17, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ernest and Juanita Gaskill, Jim grew up with a strong work ethic and a gentle, steady nature. A bright student, he graduated from Centertown High School at an impressively young age—just 16. Shortly afterward, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he continued one of his great loves: playing basketball.

 On August 31, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Carolyn, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Carolyn preceded him in death on September 9, 2019, and their reunion is a comfort to those who loved them both.

 After his service, Jim returned to Kansas City, where he built a life full of quiet strength, kindness, and devotion to those around him. He was exceptionally sweet and had a calm demeanor that made everyone feel at ease. Jim had a passion for black-and-white westerns and 80s and early 90s wrestling, and he carried a love for simple joys—like a perfectly cooked steak—that he happily shared with his family. 

Jim is preceded in death by his siblings Donna Jurd, Marion Smith, and Nathan Gaskill. He is survived by his sisters Shirley Zbinden and Sharon Madden. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love through his stepdaughters Jennifer (Carl) Croan and Laura (Roger) Umphenour; grandchildren Kelly (Jason) Whitfield and Hayley (Shane) Coon; and great-grandchildren Sydney Whitfield, Cameron (Taylor) Whitfield, Allyson Jones, Megan Coon, and Caitlyn Coon. His great-great-grandchildren Ella Mae, Avery Jay, and Asher Dean will grow up hearing stories of the sweet man who loved them deeply.

 Jim will be remembered for his kindness, his easygoing spirit, and the example he set for what it means to love and care for family. His memory will live on in every shared story, every western on TV, and every steak dinner enjoyed in his honor. 

Visitation will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. The family invites all who loved Jim to join in celebrating a life so well-lived.