James Jeans Obituary

My apologies for my belated offering of condolences for the passing of a truly great human being whose wit and wisdom I often steal, sometimes even with attribution.

Prof. Jeans was a big man, and his physical stature was the smallest part of that bigness. Without question, the students he taught here gained some of his bigness, and with God's help, we will in turn pass it on to others throughout our lives. Mrs. Jeans and family, we are praying for you and share your sorrow at his passing on to our Lord. "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

M.A.B.
LUSOL '07

I studied Trial Advocacy with Professor Jeans at UMKC in 1993. After I graduated he gave me invaluable advice on job offerings and setting up my first practice. The time and effort he gave me was far and above what you would ever expect from a professor. Years later he stood fast when there was a movement afoot to dilute the standards and requirements at law schools. I wrote a letter in which I thanked him for upholding the value and integrity of my diploma. He graciously replied and told me he was "just doing his job". Thank you Professor Jeans.

Dear Sheryle and Family-
I was a student of Jim's in the early 70's while playing for the KC Chiefs. His advice and friendship were big factors in my ability to attend UMKC Law full time while playing in the NFL. I have always appreciated his kindness to me and remembered him fondly.
Jim touched even more lives than you know, and always in a positive and learned way. I am very saddened by his passing and sincerely sorry for your loss.
God bless you.

Because he believed that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that anyone that believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," James Jeans is now enjoying that eternal life with God. While I know Professor Jeans if happy, losing him has been a blow to us, his students. He loved us, and we loved him.

Taking trial advocacy from him this semester was wonderful--I could never soak up enough in a class period! I hate that he won't be coaching our mock trial team. I hate that I can't take advanced trial advocacy from him next semester. I hate that I can't go into his office and just chat on Monday. God blessed LU School of Law with the Professors Jeans, and I am so thankful for it!

Sheryle,

Sorry for your loss. Please know you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to speak with you at Mr Jeans' visitation. I have a great deal of respect for the both of you! Due to my crazy work schedule I have not been able to be as active at St John's as in the past but am very glad I have had the priviledge of knowing you both. With sympathy & prayer,

Kamille Kisker Sedlock

Jim was a good guy, and that is not as simple as it sounds. He was a coach, a mentor and a cheerleader.

I can remember him arguing before Judge Finch and the court in Jefferson City, and Finch saying, "Jeans,I didn't realize you were a poet!" His students did.

May peace be with Jim and with his family.

John A. Wilson
UMKC School of Law '74

Professor Jeans was an excellent instructor to me 24 years ago as a UMKC law student, and I have been even more impressed with his lion's heart and Christian values in recent years with the Christian lawyers group. We will celebrate his passage into glory now, and pray for his family in their earthly loss of such a fine man.

My first class ever as a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law was Torts I. Along with the other freshmen, I waited nervously, not knowing what to expect. Suddenly an impressive giant of a man bounced into the lecture hall and took to the podium-it was Professor James W.Jeans, Sr., or "Jim Jeans", as he was known at the school. Blonde hair, square jaw and twinkling eyes. Despite his imposing stature,he became my favorite professor. I will never forget "We,Cheatum and Howe", the mythical law firm he used in his lectures. When he mentioned he was a fan of Ayn Rand, I read The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Although the Socratic method was in use in 1971, Jim never put pressure on a student to recite-after discussing the cases,he would go into his booming "courtroom" voice" and regale the class with real-life examples. He was a man of wit and humor who took his job seriously; but,never himself.

Although I did not get to know him well,he set a fine example as a lawyer and teacher. I will never forget you-thanks Professor!

To Becky and Your Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Your Father sounded like a wonderful human being. I know now where your beautiful soul and sprit comes from! If there is anything I can do for you I'll be here anytime.
Fondly,
Debbie Sauer

Dear Family, We are so sorry for your sudden loss, but so grateful for the legacy of your loved one and our friend, Jim Jeans. Jim was a local legend when I began practicing 30 years ago. He was an expert witness for me in a case involving legal ethics. He was a frequent consultant. He was a delightful Bible Study participant at CLS meetings. I know he loved his time at Liberty U Law School and told me of the wonderful relationships with colleagues there. And I know he loved his family--each one--as he often spoke of you in our meetings. Because he trusted in Jesus Christ, as the sole basis of his salvation, I trust I will see him again. I am sure that is his greatest prayer for all of us now. The premiere advocate now has a Perfect Advocate who never loses a case. (I John 2;1-2) Be assured of our prayers for your family in the days ahead.

Jim was a most generous kindhearted and principled gentleman of the law. He was a gifted speaker and wordsmith extraordinnaire.His legal talent and accomplishments were enormous.I inherited his desk at Hullverson,Richardson,Hullverson and Jeans in 1959 when he went on to form his own partnership.He never viewed the law as a business , but always as a great profession. My sincere condolences to Sheryle and family.

I met Jim though the Christian Legal Society. Jim would offer some of the most thought-provoking questions at CLS meetings that I can recall. Over time, I came to realize that he was highly regarded by many.

Jim Jeans was a dear friend, mentor, teacher and inspriation to me for three decades. He was the finest teacher of lawyers of his generation ~ he leaves a legacy of 10s of thousands of practing lawyers who are better at their craft because of his practical, motivational and inspirational teaching and writing. Jim was perhaps the finest human being I've ever been privilged to meet. His passing leaves a massive hole in my heart. I shall cherish every moment I was privileged to spend with one of the greatest lawyers and finest human beings that has ever walked this earth.

Jenny and Becky:
I remember you both with such fondness from our Bible Study days when you were at Meadowbrook Junior High. My father, too, is gone--this leaves a mysterious and enormous hole. You will be on my heart.

Becky, we're so sorry to hear about your father.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Very Respectfully,
Margaret & Frankie McLaurin

Professor Jeans was a dear Christian friend, mentor, and colleague. We will miss him!

Wonderful professor, wonderful human being, he will be missed by all of us at the law school.