James W. Monasmith

James W. Monasmith, known to friends and family as Jim and to his siblings as Sonny, passed away Sat. Mar. 17, 2007 at his home in Independence, MO. Services will be 10:00 am, Wed. Mar. 21, 2007 at the Carson- Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Indep. MO. Burial in New Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 - 8:30 pm Tuesday at the chapel. Contributions are suggested to the Woods Chapel Church of God Building Fund or Crossroads Hospice. Jim was born on Jan. 14, 1930 in Solomon, KS to his parents Ira and Ombra (Rouse) Monasmith who preceded him in death. Jim was also preceded in death by his sister Karlene McKim and his grandson Christopher Roger Bowden. Jim is survived by his wife Sondra of Independence; daughters, Donna Bowden and Loretta Rockwell of Salina, KS, and Paula Curry of Independence, MO as well as two sons, Douglas of Olathe, KS and David of Independence, MO. Three brothers, Mike of Kipp, KS, Lyle of Topeka, KS and Don of Salina, KS. Two sisters, Wanda Bernhardt of Salina, KS and Carol Brown of Benton City, WA. Jim is also survived by six grandchildren, Bryan Bowden, Shannon and Derrick Baize, Britney, Kelsie and Kyle Monasmith. Three great grandchildren, Alex, Jesse and Taj Baize, as well as his honorary grandchildren Stacie and Alan Reed. Jim worked for Union Pacific Railroad for forty-four years and retired in 1992. After a short time at home he returned to work part time at Richard�s IGA, he also did volunteer patrol work for the Independence Police Department. Every who knew Jim loved hearing him talk about his passion for gardening and planting flowers, for everyone to see and enjoy. Jim was a member of the Woods Chapel Church of God where one of his favorite things was to serve the elders of his church lemonade at their dinners.