Born October 6, 1963, Jim Verstraete died on November 27, 2023. He died as a result of being stubborn and doing exactly what he wanted for six decades.
He loved his family, friends, smoking ribs, Reese’s, the TV series “Tanked” and Busch Light (not necessarily in that order, at any given time). He was an avid Chiefs fan, loved NASCAR, and a skilled woodworker. He loved creating rocking horses (and other animals) for his great nieces and nephews, built furniture for his favorite people, and could create pieces simply by looking at a picture. Jim left behind a “to do” list, created by his wife, and is very sorry for that (not really).
Jim’s career path was filled with twists and turns. His passion was HVAC. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local #2. Jim also worked with concrete and would continually point out his work around Johnson County to his wife while driving to Menards and other home improvement stores.  He also worked as a carpenter. He was blessed with amazing math skills and could create supply lists in his head with the utmost accuracy. He knew a little about a lot of things and reminded his family often of his knowledge.
Jim acquired the role of “Gramps” three years ago and excelled in this position. He will be remembered for his scooter rides, his infamous reading of “Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?” (complete with sound effects), always having snacks (especially muffins), and “sitting in the garage, with his glasses on”.
Jim was a great man, but no fashion icon. He could be seen about town and at home in his uniform of a Carhartt pocket t-shirt, athletic shorts, a Chiefs ballcap, and his signature Grandpa Shoes, the Nike Air Monarch IVs. His idea of dressing up consisted of wearing a clean hat. Jim’s family embraced his simplicity and loved him for his no-nonsense attitude.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jonnie Verstraete, and a son, Tyler James Preston Verstraete. He leaves behind his wife, of 34 years, Angela “Angi” Verstraete, two sons Zachary James Verstraete (Krista), Ryan James Verstraete (Elenora), and a beautiful granddaughter, Josephine Marie Verstraete. Other family mourning his death include his sisters and their spouses, Velita Smith (Steve), Anita Mathis (Bob), and Jeanne Verstraete (Roger Overcast); Angi’s parents, Jim and Sandra Dunham, and her siblings, Debbie Mitchell (Kevin), Jack Dunham (Denise), and Connie Fifer. Jim is also survived by 21 nieces and nephews and their spouses, and 16 great-nieces and nephews. He will be missed by a vast circle of extended family and friends.
A Celebration of LIfe will be held on Saturday, December 9th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with eulogy and whiskey toast at 2:00 p.m., at Four Colonies Clubhouse #3, 8100 Monrovia St., Lenexa KS 66215. As per Jim’s wishes, he wanted us to remember how he lived and requested a party.  Please join his family and friends in a casual, open-house style gathering.

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James "Jim" Verstraete Obituary | Cremation Center of Kansas City