James "Bob" Handley

James “Bob” Handley of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023.

Bob was born in Mankato, KS on February 8, 1936. Bob graduated from Bonner Springs High School in 1954 and later attended Pittsburgh State University and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1958. While working as a History Teacher and Basketball Coach at Truman Highschool he also attended University of Missouri at Kansas City and graduated with a Master of Counseling in 1968. Bob was dedicated to helping others and worked as a school counselor for over 35 years. When Bob retired in 2003, he enjoyed traveling to Colorado with his wife Nita, cycled the MS150 for 10 years, took up snow skiing at the age of 55 and continued until he was 71. Bob also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was a long time attendee of the Church of the Resurrection (COR).

Bob is preceded in death by mother and father Ted and Effa (Hancock) Handley and his brother Ralph Handley.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Nita (Troutner) Handley, his daughter Amy (Handley) Santana, son David Handley, stepdaughter Kimi Gingrich (Jack), and stepson, Scott Tate (Cheryl). His grandchildren Emmalie Handley, Jordan Leon (Brandon), and Callum Handley (Isis), Step children, Tony Nichols (Aubrey) and Jenni Donnelly (Ryan). He is also survived by 5 great grandchildren.

Bob was a kind man full of adventure, happiness and life, a stranger to no one. He was a man who loved people and in return was greatly loved. Bob requests  everyone to carry on the tradition of cheering on the Jayhawks, Royals, Chiefs and Pit State Gorillas. Bob wants to be remembered “as a fun-loving guy who always had a bad joke and laughed even when no one did. A person who loved life, loved family and friends. Most of all loved and trusted God even to the end of this life and pray that all of you can experience the Joy that it brings.”

A Celebration of Life will be at Tomahawk Hills Golf Course clubhouse on Sunday, Sept 3 at 4:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations  to “ Tunnel to Towers ” which was a favored charity of Bob’s.