James A. “Jim” Koetting, 90, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on November 1, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, friendships, and a family he loved beyond measure.

Jim had a rare combination of intelligence, humor, and genuine kindness. Whether he was talking with a lifelong friend or someone he had met only moments earlier, he made people feel welcome, interesting, and important.

Jim was born on March 10, 1936, to Cletus and Angela Koetting and grew up in Kansas City with his brothers, Jerome and Bernie, and his younger sister, Rosemary. After attending Bishop Hogan High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1953 and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea. His years in the Navy were a lifelong source of pride and gave him stories he enjoyed sharing for decades.

Following his military service, Jim earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri–Rolla. He began his career as an engineer at Cutler-Hammer in Kansas City, then moved into computer programming at IBM in the early days of the computer industry, and later founded and ran his own data processing company.

In 1964, Jim married Beverly J. Bury, and together they raised five children: Jim Jr., Pat, Mark, Dan, and Julie. Jim was a devoted father. From sports to dance to Scouts, you could always count on him being there, and he was his children’s most enthusiastic supporter. He loved hearing about their lives, and he never hesitated to tell others how proud he was of them.

Jim’s Catholic faith was a foundation throughout his life. He raised his family in St. Elizabeth Parish in Kansas City and valued Catholic education, sending his children to Rockhurst, Bishop Miege, and Bishop Hogan.

In 1993, Jim met Sue Kavanaugh, who became his wife and his partner in everything for the next twenty-eight years. Together they filled their life with travel, golf, and entertaining friends and family, living in Manhattan Beach, California, and later in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Between them, they had eight children and eighteen grandchildren, and the two families became one. Sue preceded Jim in death in 2021.

To his grandchildren, he was Papa. His riddles, stories, and quick humor were their favorites, and they treasured their time with him. He welcomed three great-grandchildren and was looking forward to a fourth. Being Papa was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Jim loved art and was a lifelong reader. He loved a good movie and never missed a chance to cheer for his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. Most of all, he loved people. His life was measured by how he made others feel, and countless people—neighbors, fellow residents, nurses, and friends he met along the way—will remember that Jim Koetting made their day a little brighter.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Angela Koetting; his wife, Sue Kavanaugh-Koetting; and his brothers, Jerome Koetting and Joseph Koetting.

He is survived by his five children, James A. Koetting Jr. (Barbara), Patrick Koetting, Mark Koetting (Angela), Daniel Koetting, and Julie Barrett; his grandchildren, Lauren (Rick), Patrick Joseph Jr. (Alex), Morgan (Micah), Luke, Madison (Quinton), Frankie, Kate, Darby, Malory, Greyson, Charlotte, Drew, Kendall, Asher; and his three great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Apolonia, and Leon, with another great-grandchild expected, Tripp. He is also survived by his brother, Bernie Koetting; his sister, Rosemary Bestgen; and Sue’s children, Susan, Charles, and Kyle, and their families.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again Thursday, November 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 E. 75th St., Kansas City, MO 64114.