Walter James Schowe

Walter James Schowe (Jim), 81, of Kansas City, Missouri, handled his struggle of a double whammy of heart disease and cancer with much grace for over six months. Sadly however, he quietly passed away at Ignite Medical Resort of Kansas City on the morning of May 4, 2024. He was surrounded by the love and care of his family and friends.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 23, 1943, to Walter and Ruth Olsen. Due to the war, money issues, and husband Walter Olsen serving overseas, there was much upheaval in their family and environment. In 1949, Jim and his sister were left by their mother at the Evangelical Home for Orphans and Old People, an orphanage in Detroit. In 1952, they were adopted by Reverend Herbert Schowe and his wife, Helen. Because of Rev. Schowe's position as a minister, they moved often, eventually spending time in Dexter, Michigan, South Bend, Indiana, Latimer-Coulter, Iowa, and finally settling into Rochester, Minnesota. Jim attended State College of Iowa in 1962-1963 and then served in the Army at Fort Lewis, Washington, 1964-1966. 

In 1972, Jim and the love of his life, Shirley Zeller were married in Wellington, Missouri. They later settled into a home in Kansas City, Missouri. On July 9, 1984, they adopted a much wanted, beautiful, healthy baby girl, Kristen Marie. Jim was proud to have worked as a Registered Land Surveyor in Missouri and Kansas for many years. His other interests included photography, traveling, and for several years he was a Master Judge with the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Jim was also a really fun uncle; when visiting his family in Minnesota, he would see whatever the kids were up to and then sit right down on the living room floor with them, playing various board games, card games etc. Best of all, Jim had an amazing ability to get his nieces (plus a few adults) to fall for the 52 PickUp card game, every. single.  time......

He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 51 years; their daughter, Kristen and her partner, Randolph of Pueblo, Colorado, his brother, Bob Olsen of Detroit, as well as several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister. 

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Memorials preferred to donor's choice.