James Thomas Franklin Mott, Sr.

JAMES THOMAS FRANKLIN MOTT, SR.

James Mott, 87, of Wellsville, Kansas passed away January 31, 2025. He was born the second of two children on July 21, 1937, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Walter L. and Esther (Smith) Mott. James attended Washington Rural High School and subsequently entered the US Navy, of which he was immensely proud. He married Carmen Ramirez on February 20, 1960, and they moved briefly to San Diego, CA, where he was stationed, before making their home in Kansas City, KS with their five children. In 1987, the family moved to Erie, KS where they lived for 30 years prior to coming home to the Kansas City area. 

 James grew up in the Tulsa and Okmulgee, Oklahoma areas until he was 12 years old; at which time his family moved to Bethel, KS. Although his early years were challenging with multiple family moves due to his father’s employment, he spent many happy times both in Oklahoma and Kansas City with his cousins, sister, and neighborhood friends. After graduating high school, he traveled the world on his beloved ship, The USS Comstock; traveling to such places as Yokosuka, Hong Kong, Guam, Okinawa, Hawaii, Philippines, Formosa and Korea. Still, he could not keep his mind off the love of his life, whom he had met prior to enlisting and dubbed, Carmelita. He knew there could never be another and ultimately hitchhiked home during one of his leaves to marry her during a massive snowstorm. His in laws often referred to him as “bubblegum” because he remained stuck to his sweet baby’s side until her sad passing after 62 years of marriage.

 James spent his early years as a father and husband picking up any odd jobs he could to support his wife and growing family, ensuring that Carmen could stay home and care for the children. After spending some time as a barber, he began his primary employment as a machine operator at Westvaco Paper Co. The young family spent many happy times on picnics, camping trips, sledding, ball games and family gatherings throughout the years. James and Carmen were active in each parish in which they were members, to include Sts. Cyril & Methodius in KCKS, St. Ambrose in Erie, KS and finally joining Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park, KS upon their return to the area in 2017.

While spending several of the last months of his life in the hospital, James wanted nothing more than to make it back home to “the farm” as he called his home in Wellsville; where he enjoyed chickens, ducks, goats, cats, dogs and grandkids. Affectionately known to all as “Pappy”, it was clear, once a country boy, always a country boy. He spoke often of how much he enjoyed lying in bed watching the moon rise in the sky and God blessed him with one more rain on the tin roof for his send off. 

 A visitation will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:00 AM at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W 71st St, Overland Park, KS 66204. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM. with Mass of Christian Burial to start at 10:30 AM. James will be interred at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kansas City, KS following a luncheon in the church hall.

 James was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Carmen, his parents, Walter and Esther, his sister, Frances Wilcoxon, his son-in-law, Robert Butters, and several other dear family members. James is survived by his children: James Mott, Jr. (Pam), Lenexa, KS, Nancy Butters, Wellsville, KS, Leanne Beissenherz (Brent), Excelsior Springs, MO, Penny Emory (David), Kansas City, MO, Mark Mott (Roberta), Shawnee, KS, 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The family suggests that those wishing to honor James with a Memorial donation may do so in his name to the Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center at 2200 Southwest Gage Boulevard Topeka, KS 66622-0001 or www.va.gov or Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W 71st St, Overland Park, KS 66204 . Arrangements: The Amos Family Funeral Home, Shawnee, KS. Condolences may be left at www.amosfamily.com.