marilyn.counts@gmail.com
Rolland James's Obituary
Rolland D. James, 71, surrounded by love, died May 20, 2019 from his battle with pancreatic cancer. Husband for 33 years of high school sweetheart, Marilyn, father of son Jason, daughter Lara James Veon (David Chiesa), step-daughters Denni Zborowski and Shauna Pogue (Andrew), and step-son, Brad Millard (Sheri). He loved and was loved by eleven grandchildren: Emma James, Eliana Veon, Carter and Gavin Zborowski, Oona, Iain, and Eoghan Pogue, Kara, Zac and Alex Millard, and Samantha Gault. Rolland is the former husband of Fran Frieberger Jackson and brother of Charles (Josephine) James and John (Julie) James.
Rolland was a graduate of Webster Groves High School (class of 1966) and Southeast Missouri State University (class of 1971). He began working as a recreational therapist at Missouri Baptist Hospital and eventually became a stockbroker for Community Federal. After moving to Blue Springs, he sold cars for Blue Springs Ford and eventually retired from his role as stockbroker at American Century. In retirement, Rolland became an Uber driver, which provided the opportunity for him to meet and talk with all types of people.
For the past 10 years, Rolland was “Santa” at various malls and special events around the Kansas City metro area. Children adored him, and people gravitated to his kindness.
Above all occupations and hobbies, Rolland’s love for music defined him. A well-known talent in St. Louis in the 1970’s, Rolland played guitar and sang at the popular Leather Bottle restaurant in Clayton for 8 years before going on to open “Rolland’s Pub” in West County from 1977-1980. He continued to enjoy sharing his musical gifts later in life with his family, friends and church community.
Rolland was baptized into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a child and later was ordained a priest and served over 20 years in that ministry.
He was loved beyond measure and will be missed deeply.
We will celebrate Rolland’s life on Saturday, June 1, 2019 with a service at 11:00 a.m. with luncheon to follow. You may greet the family starting 10:00 a.m. There will be no burial service as Rolland donated his body to science research.
Blue Springs Remnant Church
5555 Valley View Road
Blue Springs MO 64015
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to:
Missouri German Shepherd Rescue:
PO Box 22466
Kansas City MO 64113
https://mogsrescue.rescuegroups.org
An abbreviated version will be in the papers Sunday.
Marilyn J James
816-215-2299
"For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as stewards over earthly blessings"
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