Jim was born in September of 1941 to Peter Venyard and Barbara Carson. He lived in Independence his entire life. He had the best stories about going to the movies every Saturday on the Independence Square, being a paper boy and attending the opening of the Truman Library. He retired from MODOT as a maintenance Crew Leader. Jim was the person who maintained the signs over the freeways while traffic sped below him. He also plowed snow for hours after his normal shift ended, making our freeways safe. Jim was an animal lover and is now with his beloved Brownie. Dad was an artist. We have several of his paintings that decorate our home. He donated one of his best paintings to North Star Recovery Services. Dad donated to Boy’s Town, National Law Enforcement Officers Fund, and the St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School for many years. He had a great sense of humor. He told some of the best “Dad” jokes. Often times his sense of humor brought light in times of darkness.

Memorial donations may be sent to Heartland on Katherine and Mary’s behalf, or visit their gofundme campaign at the following link: https://gf.me/u/za4mpg.