Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James L. Nannemann. James passed in the early morning on Thursday, May 11th 2023 at the age of 74. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Margarette Elizabeth Morris, his father, Leo George Nannemann, and his brother Charles Nannemann. He leaves behind his wife Penny, his son Jimmy, and countless nieces and nephews.
Jim was best known as ‘everyone’s favorite uncle’ whether you were related or not. Jim never met a person that he didn’t like. Unlike most people, Jim had a love for happiness, having a hard time finding a reason to not be happy. His genuine smile and his soft laugh radiated through any room.
Jim’s life was a full one! Full of hard work, and lots of fun. He started his career working with the city of Kansas City when he was 18, and worked his way up to supervisor of the water waste treatment plant. When he had enough of that he retired… But he wasn’t done with the hard work yet. He found fulfillment in volunteering with the Red Cross, assisting the local homeless community and disaster relief efforts when needed. Even Jim’s hobbies included hands on, hard work. He took on managing 6 houses and 9 apartment homes that he would rent out, and took care of every aspect of maintenance for all of them, including the lawn care… And he did all of it with a smile!
His favorite hobby was likely his antique cars. Jim owned and restored a 1929 Model A ford pick-up, a 1955 chevy bel-air, a 1963 chevy pick up, and a 1959 corvette.
Everything that Jim did, he did to the fullest extent and never took any shortcuts. He cared about everything and everyone. He was so loved by all his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Mrs. Nanneman,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of your husband. Jim and I worked together for the Water Department, Wastewater Treatment Division, for many years. Jim was my supervisor. I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to work under his leadership. Jim encouraged growth and learning. And on many occasions, he provided inspiration and guidance. We helped treat billions of gallons of polluted water for Kansas City, MO. I want to share a poem I wrote, “The Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers’ Higher Calling.” My poem enshrines the water professionals. It also shows how they make an invaluable and lasting contribution to the protection of our public health and environment.
Prayerfully Submitted,
Rickey Peters
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Workers’ Higher Calling
Around the kingly and regal conference table sat the Chairman and the Board. Staff members were presenting their year-end reports. The chief of staff, Gabriel, stood and reported, “Mr. Chairman the human race is polluting the waters so much that the natural purification cycle cannot keep up. If the pollution continues at this rate, all of mankind and the poor innocent creatures on earth will soon be poisoned by the contaminated waters.”
Gabriel continued, “It is a sad indictment against mankind that these waters that were once clean and clear have now become filthy and foul. The waters that were once bubbling, sparkling, rippling and flowing have now become a nasty, stagnant, foul-smelling cesspool of man’s waste.” Gabriel requested, “Mr. Chairman may I blow my horn which will be a signal to our managers to immediately evict all these people who have served as horrible stewards?”
The Chairman of the Board rose from His throne-like chair and said, “I understand what you are saying Gabriel, but I am going to give them a little more time on their lease. You see I have a plan to produce wastewater treatment plants to aid in nature’s purification process. The designers and builders of these plants will occupy the scene for a while. Nonetheless, the wastewater treatment plant workers will be there from now on and their responsibility will be to maintain and efficiently operate the wastewater treatment plant.” So, it became a higher calling: the wastewater treatment plant workers’ marching orders are to reclaim the waters by recycling, replenishing, and reviving the polluted waters.
© 2019 Rickey L. Peters