James L. Underwood

James L. Underwood, 75, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2013. He was born February 7, 1938, in Hoopeston, Illinois, to Lillian Jean (Robertson) and Carroll Underwood.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force in 1959, he met and married Despina Kouros in Crete, Greece. After leaving the military, he spent much of his career as a police officer for the City of Merriam, Kansas.

He is survived by two daughters, Tina (Michael) Frymyer and son, Jacob Metzger of Overland Park, Kansas, Kristina (Rodney) Smith and children Reagan and Colton of Kansas City, Kansas; step-father, Charles Smotherman, Shawnee, Kansas; brothers, Brian Underwood, Hoopeston, Illinois, David Underwood, Hoopston, Illinois, Rick Underwood, Ridgefield, Washington, Todd Underwood, Cocomo, Indiana; sister, Renne Carter, Vancouver, Washington and former spouse, Despina Underwood. Jim is also survived by his step-mother, Wilma Underwood of Hoopeston, Ilinois and his aunt, Betty (Robertson) March of St. Joseph, Illinois.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, father, and brothers, Robert, Randy, and Don.

Visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 3, 2013, with a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. at the Amos Family Funeral Home. Private inurnment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, Kansas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212.