James Kirkman Cadle

James Kirkman Cadle

James Kirkman Cadle, 70, died Thursday (Sept. 22, 2005) at his home in Olathe after a battle with melanoma cancer. He was born Feb. 28, 1935, to James L. and Gladys (Kirkman) Cadle in Newton. He helped lead the Newton Railroaders to the Kansas high school basketball championship over favored Shawnee Mission High School in 1952. He went on to play basketball for and graduate from the University of Colorado with a degree in journalism. On June 14, 1957, he married Marilyn Higgs. Jim served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy for two years aboard the U.S.S. General W. A. Mann and the aircraft carrier Kearsarge. After the Navy, he returned to CU where he earned a master's degree in geology. Jim worked for IBM for 25 years before retiring as vice president in 1987. His tenure at IBM included stints in Wichita, Kansas City, Chicago and White Plains, N.Y. After his retirement, he purchased a farm in the Shenandoah River Valley in Virginia where he and Marilyn raised and dried flowers for arrangements. They sold the farm and their successful antique and gift business and moved to Kansas City in 1998.

Family was the most important thing in Jim's life, and he enjoyed being with them. Jim chronicled the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was a talented illustrator and drew pictures of birds and historical figures. He wrote three books on history, religion and reflections on life. Jim was a member of the letterman's club at CU and a diehard Buff's fan. He was an avid and good golfer. He enjoyed designing and building a three-hole golf course on his farm in Virginia, where he challenged all who visited.

Survivors include: his wife, Marilyn J. Cadle of Olathe; children, Melinda and husband Tim O'Brien of Overland Park, James F. Cadle and wife Susan of China and Karen and husband Todd Friedeman of Olathe; his mother and father-in-law, Gertrude and Melvin Higgs; brother, Galen Cadle and wife Joan; brother-in-law, John Higgs and wife Carol; and seven grandchildren, Kyle, Evan and Molly O'Brien, Kirk and Amos Cadle and Nick and Beth Ann Friedeman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Greenwood Cemetery with Pastor Gary Bell officiating.

Memorials have been established with the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, 115 Business Loop, 70W, Columbia, MO 65203 attention Debbie Self, Administration of Kansas City Hospice, 9221 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114 or in care of Petersen Funeral Home.