Obituary

James Phillip Eberhardt, born December 26,1953 in Sterling, Kansas, Passed away peacefully on January 31,2026 at home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Jim lived a life defined by faith, service, strength, and a quiet kind of humor that could sneak up on you just when you need it the most. He proudly served his country for 26 years in the United States Airforce, retiring as an Aircraft Loadmaster. A career spent ensuring missions, and the people on them, made it home safely. On average, he was on 270 flights a year. If something needed to be secured, balanced, or done right the first time, Jim was your guy.

Retirement didn’t slow him down. He continued serving his community with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 13 years, and later with the Colorado State Patrol for 7 years. Whether in the sky or on the road, Jim dedicated his life to keeping others safe. Service wasn’t just a job for him; it was simply who he was. But if you asked Jim what mattered most, it wasn’t medals, titles or uniforms. It was family.

Jim was a devoted husband, a steady and loving father, a proud grandfather of 2, and a delighted great-grandfather of 9. He was the kind of man who showed up early, took care of problems without being asked, and always knew the right quiet joke to lighten the moment. He could be stubborn when he believed in something, practical about everything, and had just enough mischief in his smile to keep life interesting. Jim loved music, dancing like no one was watching, reading, golf, and fishing.

He taught those around him how to work hard, stay humble, and take care of the people you love – and maybe how to tell a story that ran a little longer than it needed to, but it was always worth hearing.  He loved Jesus and did his best to share that love with everyone. Jim knew no stranger, and if he could help, he would do it without a second thought. He was involved deeply with his church. He attended his men’s breakfast and Bible study on Saturdays and served as security at Summit Park Church as well.

Jim leaves behind a family who will miss his steady presence, his guidance, and the comfort of knowing he was always there. Jim is survived by his wife Rosalie Eberhardt, son Jimmie (Patty) Eberhardt, stepson Tommy (Stacy) Lee, brother Charles (Kathleen) Eberhardt, sister Cindy (Richard) Roach, sister Peggy Eberhardt, sister Lisa (Wade) Martin, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

His legacy lives on in every lesson he taught, every laugh he shared, and every life he protected along the way. Fair skies and following winds Jim, your watch is complete.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a service at 11:30 a.m. at Summit Park Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.