Obituary
On Saturday, September 23, 2023, James (“Jim”) Richard Williams, 46, passed away in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Jim was born on July 26, 1977, in Kansas City, Missouri. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Shannon Rene Blevins, their children, Allie Nicole (24), Lillie Ann (13) and Samuel Douglas (11). He is also survived by his mother, Alice K. (Kuhnert) Williams, sister Mary Williams, mother-in-law, Leigh Ann Blevins, father-in-law, Douglas Blevins and brother-in-law, Brian Blevins (wife, Angela and daughter, Katie). Jim was preceded in death by his father, Richard O. Williams.
Jim attended Blue Springs Schools where he participated in Boy Scouts and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1995. He was an avid sports enthusiast and fierce competitor and letterman on the high school soccer, track, and cross-country teams. He earned numerous regional championship honors in cross country. He carried forward his love for soccer as an adult, playing every week in a men’s soccer league where he was the team captain and goalie. He was known on the field as a great team player and competitor. Jim was also a loyal fan of Kansas City’s major league sports teams. From the world champion Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to Sporting KC, Jim was always proudly cheering on his hometown teams. He loved experiencing the outdoors, taking road trips with his family, hiking, and was especially fond of vacationing in Colorado.
Jim earned his bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 1999 and began his career as a wealth advisor. He charted an extraordinary professional journey with his employer, Creative Planning, where he spent more than 18 years and served as their Chief Investment Officer. His work team became an extended family to Jim and his own family. He is described by his colleagues as “brilliant, sharp as a tack, dropping jokes all the time” and to keep the mood light, “including at inappropriate times.” He was valued for his calming effect in the workplace, regardless of any turmoil. And it comes as no surprise that Jim was known for being incredibly reliable. Creative Planning President & CEO, Peter Mallouk, says that Jim will be remembered for all these things, but most of all, he will personally miss him as his friend, confidant, and strategist – and their weekly lunches where he got to hear about his family updates. Jim was recognized for numerous professional accomplishments, including the Ingram’s Magazine 40 under 40 and Ingram’s Top 250 Leaders in Kansas City lists on more than one occasion.
Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. His children, Allie, Lillie, and Sam have the honor of calling Jim their dad and an incomparable role model. Shannon describes Jim as a “simple man who loves his family.” His daughter, Allie, attests that Jim would do “anything and everything” for Shannon. No job too big or too small for his family, Jim did the seemingly little things that made a big difference in the lives of those he loved. Most admirably, he did the things that mattered most to his kids, like taking them to their soccer or swim practices and watching them participate in their school activities or competitive sports. Jim was known for offering sage advice to his children that reflected his parenting style and stealth sense of humor. One of their favorite sayings from their dad is “You can’t soar with the eagles if you’re hanging out with the turkeys.” Jim’s family was his #1 priority and his biggest love, and he lived every day accordingly.
Jim was also known as a foodie who enjoyed cooking and appreciated a great meal. Among his friends, he was famous for his elaborate charcuterie boards – and standing over you while you sampled every single item. He was also known for tossing out food before its prime (actually, tossing out just about anything) regardless of shelf life. The phrase “when in doubt, throw it out” was taken to a whole new level by Jim Williams. As it turns out, where Jim was concerned, you didn’t have to have much doubt to throw it out!
His affinity for numbers in his professional role carried forward in the math lessons he would offer to his family and friends. He was known for taking what most would consider an expensive item and breaking it down into monthly or daily increments until it suddenly felt like an absolute bargain. Jim was called home on 9.23.23 at 9:23 am. In true Jim fashion, his date and time of passing were in perfect numeric alignment. The first of many signs for Shannon that his legacy will live on.
Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends, colleagues and virtually everyone whose life he touched. A celebration of his life will be held at the Stanley Event Space in Lee’s Summit, Missouri on October 13, 2023, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A brief program will begin at approximately 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Jim’s favorite organizations, Giving the Basics, by visiting givingthebasics.org or by mailing a check to: Giving the Basics 927 S. 7th Street Kansas City, KS 66105. Please make a note, “In Memory of Jim Williams” in conjunction with your contribution so it can be properly acknowledged. Jim will continue to selflessly help others through your heartfelt generosity. Thank you, Jim Williams, for living a “top notch” life and leaving us with countless memories and laughs we will cherish forever.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
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Lee's Summit, MO 64063
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Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Jim was an incredible father, husband, friend and colleague. Above all else, I miss his presence, his calm demeanor, insightful perspective and positive attitude.
Shannon and family: My heart aches for your loss and I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. There are no words that I could say to help ease your pain, but know that you are loved and supported by so many!
Tim and I and our family are very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing…he was a very nice man and a blessing to the family. May he rest in peace…
I want to offer my heartfelt condolences. So very sorry.
Like everyone, I’m shocked and saddened by Jim’s passing. I knew him as a business colleague at Creative. When I brought ideas to Jim, I was amazed at his analytical ability, and we almost always concluded by going the way he suggested. God bless Jim, but may his legacy live on through his family.
Condolences to Jim’s family, coworkers and friends.
Jim did a wonderful job at Creative Planning and for me personally!
May God bless Jim and may Jim fly in Heaven with the Eagles!
Thank you for everything my brother!
Oh Shannon I am so very sorry.
My heart breaks for you and your kids. Also for your in-laws.
I will be praying for all of you.
I am heart broken and without words to hear of Jim’s passing.
I enjoyed working with him since 2018 when we first met at the Creative Planning Connect Event. Jim, was always a pleasure to work with and brought so much wisdom to the conversation. His life influenced so many people positively. God bless and comfort the family during this time. Our prayers are with you all.
Sincere sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
I am Brain Baumgart’s sister (Carmen) i am so sorry for your loss, I pray you feel Jesus loving arms wrapped around you tightly during this time of grief.
In talking with Brian and Kel I know Jim will be missed, he touched their lives with lots of laughter and fun.
Carmen and Richard Amos
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I worked at Creative Planning and always loved my little exchanges with Jim in the halls or conversations I’d overhear him have with clients about the market in his shared office space. He was the perfect combination of intelligence, humility, and humor. What a beautiful obituary describing him and all he brought to this world. I’m so sad to hear he is gone and can’t imagine the pain you are facing. Your family is in my prayers during this unimaginable time.
Condolences to all at this sad passing. Jim and I first met over 10 years ago and I was immediately drawn in by his wit and insights. My quarterly trips to Kansas City were met with excitement because I was able to spend time with Jim. He will be so missed.
He was a great man and it was an honor to get to know him over the years. He cared deeply about everyone he came across in all aspects of his life. He will definitely be missed. I wish his family and friends strength in this difficult time.
Jim was a good man and that is demonstrated clearly by his good family who survives him who he provided for as a good man should. I especially appreciate all his good works in providing his time, treasure, and talent to help Allie grow up to be the good woman she is. My sincere condolences to those who survive him and may God rest his soul.
We were fortunate enough to have worked with Jim as a client of his from the earliest days of Creative Planning. He was ALWAYS patient, responsive, very knowledgeable, and a true professional. We were hoping to meet him one day at an upcoming Creative Planning conference. Although that won’t happen, we are grateful to have worked with him for 19 years. Prayers to his family, friends and colleagues.
I have known Jim for over 20 years professionally and in the last 2-3 years I have had the opportunity to work more closely with Jim. I enjoyed his demeanor, bad jokes, and straightforward demeanor. I am sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family, his wife, his children, and the entire Creative family as well.
Praying for your peace in this time of struggle.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I hope that the love and support of those around you bring you comfort during this difficult time. Jim was one of a kind and Team Denver will miss him greatly.
About eleven years ago, before I joined CP, I received a phone call from Jim saying a client told him that I would be a good fit at CP. He asked me to come in for an interview. The rest is history. I thanked him often for that call because it was life changing.
Jim was always a joy to be around and will be missed.
Jim was a trusted and knowledable colleague that I had a lot of respect for. I communicated with him a lot over the past 11 years and already miss him greatly. I admire how dedicated he was to his personal and work family.
I have worked with Jim in various facets for the majority of the years he was with Creative Planning. I fondly remember his excitement when he was engaged to Shannon, as well as when he was preparing for his first baby. The calm, cool and collected demeanor Jim had at all times was impressive, but even more importantly, the excitement you could hear in his voice when talking about what his kids were up to was endearing. Shannon, there are no words that can express my condolences sufficiently for you, your children, nor his coworkers. Jim was, simply spoken, ‘Good people’.
He was an amazing database of knowledge, but more importantly he was a steady source of rational perspective on discussing anything. When he gave you a candid answer, his humor was second to none.
Gone too soon! He will be dearly missed. It was a pleasure working with him for the last decade, the ever consummate professional. Have touched the lives of many. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jim was always someone you could count on for sound advice and support. Level headed, good listener, and thoughtful suggestions. We worked together often to support our clients and our company. I will really miss working with such a great guy.
I was incredibly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. It seems so unbelievable that he is gone. I have fond memories of his early days with Creative Planning, where he was willing to try strange foods, such as Harry Potter Jelly Beans. We had a lot of fun in those days. Most of all, I will miss hearing him often say, “it is, what it is.” He was a busy guy, always on the phone, but never hesitated to ask how I was doing when I ran into him at Creative Planning. He will be truly missed. I pray for peace and comfort for his family and loved ones.
Jim was a trusted friend and colleague. A steady hand and led by example with his approach. I will forever be grateful for his friendship. He will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies to the family.
I have been stunned and saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I wish I would have done a better job of keeping in touch in recent years. The thought never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t see him again. I have so many great memories with Jim. He was always so positive and supportive, and fun to be around. Not long before I learned of his passing, I was talking with another friend about how we used to play poker often, and we still have a certain bet that we refer to as “The Jim.” I am so sorry he is no longer with us, but he impacted a lot of lives, and his memory will live on.
Shannon, I am so sorry. You and your family will be my prayers. Sending you love ❤️
I was so sad to hear Jim passed away. He was such a kind and welcoming person. I really enjoyed getting to know Jim through adult league. He was such a kind and positive person who will truly be missed.
Jim was like another brother to me, and I miss him tremendously. I always assumed we would have a lifetime together and enjoy so many more adventures and family vacations. I will treasure all the memories we created over the last 28 years…. from our early college days to just this past May when our families met in Broken Bow, OK. Jim was so smart (brilliant really), had such a great sense of humor, and was a great friend to all who knew him. I still can’t believe he’s gone.
I pray for Shannon, Lillie, and Sam that they mourn his loss fully and, eventually, find peace and comfort in all the memories they have of Jim. He loved them so much and I know he’ll continue to watch over them.
Jim, I look forward to the day I see you again – please save a seat for me.
Jim possessed may wonderful attributes, of which I admired and learned from. I think of Jim’s strong character, loyalty, and positive outlook. He will be greatly missed by many people, which is a testimony to his impact.
I will miss Jim so much. I am so sorry I did not know he passed. A man of many talents and a life cut short.
You can reach me at Sdebusk@valuechainsolutions.net or 816-210-5101 if you need anything at all.
a sad day. Steve