Mr. James Richard Routt, Sr.

James Richard Routt, Sr. was born on September 26, 1953. The fifth child born to the union of Tolbert E. Routt, Sr. and Virginia L. Graves Routt. James (Jimi) as he was known was educated in the Kansas City, MO public school system, a 1971 graduate of Central High School, and a 1976 graduate of Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO.

Jimi married Lynn E. Groves on June 25, 1983 and was presented and blessed with a school age son from Lynn (Michael) at their wedding.  To this union was born two children, James Richard Routt, II. and Asia Dionne Routt.

Jimi was a son, brother, cousin, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, and a friend. He loved life and trying new adventures such as: cooking, dancing, singing, and a good party. His quick sense of humor and joke cracking would have people laughing for days. And let’s not forget this was a brother who could clean a house from top to bottom spotless.

His style for fashion and hair was impeccable, along with his insatiable desire for matching clothes, socks, shoes, and primping in the mirror on his supersized natural. MacDonalds did not come up with the phrase ‘supersize’ Jimi did!

Jimi was kindhearted, and a forgiving person. He did not believe in holding grudges or keeping family dissention going. No matter what he was doing, or what phase of life’s journey he was on, Jimi would always tell you that “he loved you and we are family.”   

Jimi enjoyed a variety of occupations. After his college days he spent time in the Peace Corps aiding those in need in Ghana, Africa. On his return to the states his job career started as a Paseo High School History teacher, then a counselor for McCune’s Boy’s Home and finally a long distant truck driver hauling all sorts of merchandise.  Jimi experienced quite the work adventure. He was doing exactly what he loved, getting the most out of life and living in the moment.

Jimi’s faith and trust in The Lord Jesus as His Savior brought him the promise of eternal life.

He transitioned from his earthly life into his eternal life on Saturday January 8, 2022, at Research Medical Hospital. Jimi was preceded in death by his wife Lynn Groves Routt, his son Michael Lloyd Groves, his parents, Tolbert and Virginia Routt, oldest brother Tolbert Routt Jr. and two nephews Joshua Williams and Tolbert Routt III.

 He leaves to mourn his passing and presence two children: James (Sheriyah) Routt II of Grandview, MO and Asia Routt of Kansas City, MO;  Three grandchildren: Janiya Lynn and Amari Janae Routt and Mijae Nevah Curtis; two brothers: Burt Routt, Kansas City, MO, Rodney (Xuan) Routt, Fontana, CA, three sisters: Judy (Johnny) Narcisse Los Angeles, CA, Phyllis Routt Kansas City, MO and Sallie (Vincent) Williams, Centreville, VA a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We have shared space and time with Jimi, and that was a wonderful, outstanding gift of life. Once time and sharing is spent it joins all the moments we call the past.  Jimi will be missed so very much, and our memories will be our comfort and joy. We give all honor and glory to God our Heavenly Father.

Private Disposition. Service conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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