V. James "Jim" Bales

V. James “Jim” Bales, 89, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away at home on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023.

Jim was born to Jesse and Martha Bales in Shawnee, Kansas on December 2, 1933.

Jim was a longtime member and servant of First Baptist Church of Shawnee, helping in any way that he could. He was a skilled carpenter, electrician, and caretaker within the church.

Jim was a coach for the First Baptist Church Girls Softball team for many years. He also enjoyed playing for the church softball leagues for adults. Jim enjoyed singing and was a member of the church choir, and sang in a quartet as well.

Jim is now reunited with his late wife, Joyce Bales. They had celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary shortly before Joyce’s passing in June of 2020. He is also reunited with his daughter, Patti Bales, and his grandson Brennan Messick. Jim was the last living member of five children.

He is survived by his children Debbie DeAngelis (Rich), Ann Holmes (Joe), Cheryl Hass, and Mike Bales; 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many other family members and long-time friends, and his dear friends of Overland Park Place.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Shawnee (in the original chapel) from 10-11am, with a service beginning at 11am. He will be laid to rest beside Joyce at Johnson County Memorial Gardens following the service. For those unable to attend Jim's funeral service, the event will be livestreamed HERE .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Shawnee, or to Heartland International Ministries (H.I.M.).