John Charles Waters, Sr.

John “Jack” C. Waters, Sr., 78, of Shawnee, Kansas. On March 8, 2023, the world lost one of the best. Jack was born on January, 21, 1945. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, a life-long Catholic school boy. He attended and graduated from Lillis High School and then joined the Navy. Growing up, Jack played all sports and most musical instruments, but especially the drums. As an adult, Jack played drums for various bands. He was the life of every party, dancing to James Brown, or he could be found acting as a guest drummer at parties, playing his favorite trademark song, “Wipe Out.” Jack also continued his interest in sports playing on a men’s Fastpitch softball team with his brother. Jack was the catcher; not for the faint of heart.

In 1964, Jack met the love and passion of his life, Dorothy Beam. A Navy buddy introduced Jack to Dorothy, whose family, the Verstraetes (and Beams), go back decades in Shawnee, to its truck-gardening roots. It was love at first sight on a volleyball court and they were married a few months later. Jack and Dorothy bought a house in Shawnee in the 1960s, and Jack began working in Shawnee. They never left. They had three kids, John, Diane, and Patrick. Jack and Dorothy have been blessed with 58 years of marriage and he left this world with Dorothy by his side, as always. It was a love story for the books. To the very end, Jack would light up and blow kisses when Dorothy walked in the room.

Jack was truly a “Jack” of all trades, doing anything in the early years for extra cash. He was in the Navy; he worked as a Park Ranger at Shawnee Mission Park; Jack was a Reserve Shawnee Police Officer (often on a motorcycle); he was a repossession man for a while; Jack played the drums for a band on many weekends; he coached softball; and he was a bank loan officer. Jack’s career really took off around 1985 when he and some other good friends and partners started First National Bank of Shawnee. 

Stories abound of Jack, your personal banker, helping customers start and run numerous businesses. Jack was the kind of banker you could call and ask for money or just advice, and he would come through for you in a flash. Jack was very proud of any small part he may have played in helping the success of others. He was a fan of all people trying to make their own life’s dreams come true. Jack believed there was almost always a way, you just have to find the path. And, Jack was just stubborn enough that he could find that path, whether it was his path or someone else’s path – he would get everyone where they needed to be.

Jack had vision and he always wanted more for Shawnee, so he added a developer hat to his own list of jobs. Jack’s vision and his goals helped the city of Shawnee grow beyond household rooftops. Jack brought the movies and hotels back to Shawnee. He developed Shawnee’s first hotel since Quantrill’s raiders torched the Higgins House in 1862. He brought in Paulo & Bills, Barleys, Jose’ Peppers, and Hereford House. Jack also built JCGAA a brand-new, state-of-the-art softball complex, since renamed Mid-America West Sports Complex. With Jack’s own Fastpitch softball and coaching roots, he was always proud to have built state of the art girls’ and womens’ softball fields that, at the time, hosted many college and “top tier” club softball tournaments.

Jack was forever a philosopher and dispenser of great wisdom. Jack was funny, with lightening quick wit. He was smart, kind, and universally trusted. You do not have to talk to many Shawnee people before you will hear some great “Jack Waters” stories. All of these attributes led Jack to winning Shawnee’s 2021 Good Business Legacy Development Award. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIRhIs1gPPI

Even with all of this, Jack’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He would proudly beam anytime the topic of his family came up. Jack’s love for Dorothy is unparalleled and they had a wonderful life together. Jack was able to work for decades with his oldest son and best friend, John. Jack coached Diane in softball, college, and in life. He was so proud of her and her family. Jack probably grew personally the most in his love and admiration for his son Patrick. Jack was so proud of Patrick for always following his own path, clearing his own way, and having wonderful success in his own adventures.

If you wish to do something in Jack’s name, put up a bird feeder or donate to the National Wildlife Foundation. Jack loved feeding and caring for all of Earth’s creatures.

Jack will be forever missed by his wife, Dorothy, and his two surviving children Diane (Janell), and Patrick. Jack was the very proud grandfather of John III (“Joche”), Jacob, Dakota, Logan and Addison. Jack also had two great grandchildren, John (“Jack”) and Charlotte (“Charlie”), as well as a third on the way TBD. Jack also loved little Jeff. Jack was loved and will be remembered by his Sister in Laws Joyce Bradshaw (Drew), Jane Courtright (Steve), Debi Waters (Donald), Jo Waters (Bill), and Brother in Law Mike Beam (Debbie). Jack also leaves many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended relatives. Jack was predeceased by his best friend and son, John Waters; Brothers Donald and Bill; Sister Delores; and his parents William “Glen” and Florence Waters.

The family will welcome visitors at a visitation held at Amos Family Funeral Home on Monday March 13, 5:00  p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Public funeral services will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 14, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a short ceremony at St. Joseph Cemetery on Quivira Road.

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