James "Jim" W. Melton

James “Jim” W. Melton passed away on Monday, May 30th, 2022 at the age of 82. 

He was born to Bill and Virginia Melton on January 6th, 1940 in Chillicothe, Missouri. After graduating high school, Jim spent time working at the Ford Motor Company and for the railroad before joining the Army in 1961. He was a heavy weapons infantryman, and an expert marksman which later helped him excel at being a Police Officer for Westwood, Kansas. Jim was promoted to Sergeant in his early 20’s and was the youngest that the force had ever had. He was very passionate about ensuring that his officers were equipped with the skills necessary to protect and serve their civilians and community. Jim was very adamant about the safety of shooting guns, and the safety of his officers. Jim spent a lot of time on the water as he and his dad, Bill, built boats together. In 1965, Jim met Patricia and the two were married in July. Jim impressed Pat with his sons, Jimmy and Robby whom she quickly fell in love with, and Jim fell in love with Pat’s daughter, Vickie. The blended family loved to boat at the Lake of the Ozarks and Pomona Lake. Jim and Pat bought Jim’s father’s dry-cleaning business from him in the late 1960’s, in Overland Park, Kansas. Jim’s biggest passion in life was shooting and reloading. He was a member of Mill Creek Rifle Club, and enjoyed the comradery and friendship of the other shooters. He enjoyed competing with other marksmen… and winning!

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Virginia. He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Pat; children Jimmy Melton, Vickie Sheppard, and Robby Melton; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a sister Suzanne (husband Lee) Parrish, and many friends who will dearly miss Jim.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 4th, 2022 at the Amos Family Funeral Home from 1 to 2 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 2 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the American Diabetes Association, their information is provided below. 

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