James Raymond McCauley

James Raymond McCauley, 77, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away on October 29, 2024, at home.

James “Jim” was born March 12, 1947, in Kansas City, MO. At a young age he moved with his family to Merriam, Kansas and was a proud Kansas resident for the rest of his life. He was raised by hard-working parents, who although did not have college educations themselves, made education a priority for their children. The value of education was instilled in Jim from a young age until his last day on earth. He was an avid reader, the smartest person anyone in his family had ever met, and always seeking to understand any topic he did not know about - which became rare. 

Following high school at Bishop Miege in Merriam, KS, Jim attended the University of Kansas, where he received his Bachelors, Masters, and PhD in Geology. He remained in Lawrence and at the University of Kansas working as a Geologist for the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) for 32 years. His career as a Geologist allowed him to learn every road, county, and landmark throughout the great state of Kansas. Any trip with those he loved involved his chosen scenic routes with stops to view rock formations or drive below the speed limit to view rock layers created by a road cut. His accomplishments in his career and time spent admiring the state included publishing “Roadside Kansas: A Traveler’s Guide to its Geology and Landmarks.” 

His favorite part of his time at the KGS was leading the Wheat State Tour, which at the time was a five-day tour of Kansas for University of Kansas Faculty. At the end of the tour, attendees were asked their favorite part of the trip, and the most common answer was “Jim McCauley”, and his quips, jokes, stories, and songs. In addition to educating faculty on all the sites and history of Kansas, his wit and singing voice added humor and unexpected entertainment.

Jim was also a proud father to two daughters, both with advanced college degrees and who he raised with the same value of education he received from his childhood home. His daughters fondly remember growing up in a house filled with music accompanied by his singing or his drum playing. He worked to ensure his daughters not only had a school education, but an education in great music and classic movies.

Following his retirement from KU and the Kansas Geological Survey, Jim met his devoted wife, Kelli who survives him after 6 years of marriage and more than 10 years as partners. Jim loved taking Kelli on trips through Kansas to show her the state he loved so much. Kelli loved that Jim could always make her laugh.

Together, they were Papa Jimmy and Nana Kelli to four grandchildren. Papa Jimmy routinely received science questions from his granddaughters as they knew if they did not know the answer, Papa Jimmy would. He loved sharing his science knowledge and seeing his grandchildren have the same interests he had, even gifting one of them a rock hammer for her birthday.

Those who knew Jim well or listened carefully knew that he had a quick, “razor sharp” wit. He was a wonderful storyteller and did well to honor his parents and their accomplishments through his memories and storytelling. He was a proud dad and step-dad, a devoted son and brother, loving husband, and a faithful Irishman

In addition to his wife, Kelli, Jim is survived by daughters, Jamie and husband Ehren of Lawrence, KS, Katie and husband Josh of Lawrence, KS; step-daughter Sara of Lenexa KS and step-son Bryan of Lenexa, KS; four grand children, McCauley, Blaise, Braden, and Vale; brother, Dan and wife Lisa and sister, Kathleen and husband Myron; and five nieces along with their spouses and children.

A visitation will be held at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS, on November 6, 2024, 4pm to 6pm, with a blessing at 4pm.

Memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s name to the University of Kansas. He would love to know that contributions were made in his name to assist students in getting an education.