Our Heavenly Father summoned His faithful servant, Charles "Chuck" James to his eternal home on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, as he rested peacefully in his home. He had completed his long journey and had finished his Father's assignments of caring for his family and doing worthy and beneficial work in his community and across the country.

Charles "Chuck" Edward James was born in Texarkana, Texas on December 3, 1939, to the union of Rev. C.L. and Gussie Mae James. His mother, father, grandmother (Mary Gardner) and beloved brother, Frederick 'Duke' James preceded him in death.

Chuck professed a belief in Jesus Christ at an early age. He is a member of Centennial United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

Chuck was raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Lincoln High School and received a Bachelor's degree in education from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. He married Lorene on August 24, 1974, and two children were born to that union, Christopher Alan James and Kasey Rae James.

As Chuck believed in helping people, he applied his talents as a human resource professional to being a blessing to thousands of people. He felt that young people were often misled and were unprepared for the work world. Throughout his life's journey you will find Chuck's footprint as he worked to establish programs that would train and advance young people.

After serving as teacher and developer of several training and research programs, he was recruited by Kansas City Power & Light Company where he joined the Labor Relations Department and served as a personnel representative and Equal Opportunity Specialist. He evaluated the company's Affirmative Action and Minority Business Development programs. He spent many hours recruiting at colleges all over the country for qualified candidates for KCP&L. He assisted with the development, implementation, administration and monitoring of cost-effective labor relations policies, programs and agreements to achieve maximum utilization of the company's employees.

In 1995, Chuck became KCP&L'S Manger of Minority & Urban Affairs, becoming the liaison between the company and the community. He was a consummate public servant, lending his expertise to numerous boards where he served, including president and vice president during his 20-year tenure, with the Metropolitan Community Colleges Board of Trustees. He also served in leadership roles working closely with a variety of other civic and community organizations including the Urban League of Greater Kansas City; Boys Scouts of America; and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People where he was a Life Member.

In acknowledgement of his outstanding community service and for his stellar commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others, Chuck received local and national recognition. He received the Black Achievement in Industry Award and he was featured on the cover of CareerFOCUS Magazine, a national professional publication, where he discussed the growing social consciousness of the 90's and how he guided the company where he worked through the new frontier in the corporate world.

Chuck loved football and after retirement he enjoyed spending a lot of time with his family and watching football games. For the past several years, he was a contributing columnist for The Kansas City Globe where his column, "Chuck's Picks" featured NFL game predictions and commentary.

Chuck's memory will be forever cherished by his family. He is survived by his wife, Lorene; two daughters: Kelly R. James and Kasey-Rae James; son: Christopher Alan James; granddaughters: Ashlee James, Christian Stewart, Lourdes Jiohnny and grandsons:Trevion Dameron, Nicholas Raymond Stewart, twins Rhys and Carter James and a host of other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Centennial United Methodist Church. Private disposition. Visitation will be from 9:00a.m.-10:45a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.