James “Jay” Chester Waggoner

James “Jay” Chester Waggoner, 84, of Independence, Missouri passed away February 24, 2024. He was born September 4, 1939 in Diamond, Missouri where he spent his early childhood years on the family dairy farm. During his younger school years, Jay would spend as much time as possible on either the ball field or the basketball court. Jay was captain of the high school’s basketball and baseball teams. He was scouted, as a left-handed pitcher, to play minor league baseball. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy on June 8, 1957. After they were married, Jay and Dorothy moved to the Kansas City area, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Jay spent his adult life working in grocery stores. For most of his career, he owned Quality Produce, where he took great pride in the numerous distinctions he received for his award winning produce displays. Throughout his life, he maintained his love of baseball by being a season ticket holder for the KC Royals. Beside baseball, Jay was also a big supporter of the KC Chiefs. But his favorite past-time was taking trips to Branson, Missouri several times a year. Jay loved visiting Silver Dollar City, and never seemed to manage to leave without a bag of taffy and a loaf of cinnamon bread.

Jay was a member of The Gathering (formerly Noland Road Baptist Church) from the early 1970’s until his passing. During his time as a member, he served in many positions and on numerous committees, including Chairman of the Deacons, Church Moderator, singing bass in the choir and playing in the church softball league.

He is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents and two sisters. Survivors include daughter Kim White and husband Charlie and Jennifer Angle and husband Jim; grandchildren Nate McWilliams, Nick McWilliams and partner Maggie, Kelsey Schwaller and husband Mike, and Kyle Angle; and great grandchildren Colin McWilliams, Wren McWilliams, and James Schwaller.

There will be a private family gathering for Jay to be held at a later date.