James Bishop

James Esta Bishop, 45, Gladstone, Missouri passed away peacefully Sunday, June 5, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with ALS.

James was diagnosed with ALS in February of 2021 and quickly began advocating for the ALS community. He participated in multiple podcasts, bringing awareness to this devastating disease, and attended the virtual storm on Capitol Hill as the Missouri State Representative for ALS advocacy. As ALS began to rob him, he remained strong and positive, even though the odds were against him.

James was born March 10, 1977 in Sun Valley, California to James C. and Patricia Ann (Kirk) Bishop. James grew up in Parkville, Missouri and attended school in the Park Hill School District. During his time at Park Hill High School, he found a love of football and co-founded The Hecklers student fan section. He graduated in 1995 and was recently inducted into the Park Hill Alumni Hall of Fame.

In his early teenage years he began working alongside his dad at Foot Locker, where he developed his obsessive love for shoes. He then had a 12-year career with Wells Fargo as a supervisor, where he met the love of his life, LyDea. He spent the last 10 years as a Trim Group Leader for General Motors and loved every minute of his job. James cherished every friendship and considered his coworkers family.

James had a deep love for the Lord and his family. He was a long-time member of Tiffany Fellowship Church in Kansas City and most recently attended First Century Church in Parkville. He especially loved teaching the children’s class and spoiling them with donuts each week. In his spare time he enjoyed being with family, taking his dog on walks, and he was an avid sneaker collector. James enjoyed watching all Kansas City sports and was a die hard KU fan. He never knew a stranger, was quick-witted, and always the life of the party. Summer was his favorite time of year and to say he loved the sun is an understatement. He could often be found poolside or at the beach, working on his tan.

James and LyDea were married on July 3, 2010 in Paradise Valley, Arizona and he affectionately referred to her as his “uno”. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children, Alexander Bishop, Tanner Park, Lynsie Bishop and Rylan Bishop. Additional survivors include his mother, Pattie Bishop, sisters, Audra Bishop Lona, Wanda (Shaun) McKenzie, and sister-in-law, Rita Peters, as well as his Aunt Peggy (Bill) Inglis and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He is also survived by his loyal dog, KC. James was preceded in death by his father, Jim, and his brother, Sean Peters, who both lost their own battles with ALS.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Tiffany Fellowship Church 7315 NW Barry Rd., Kansas City, Missouri. A funeral service, celebrating James’ life will immediately follow at 12:00 pm.  Pastor Barry Clair, Pastor Stephen Wilhoite and Pastor Barry Young will officiate.  Graveside Services will follow at the Line Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: John Rapp, Jeff Manning, Richard Dedrick, William Walls, Harvey Powell, Cody Bryan, Todd Couphennower and Michael Folendore.

Memorial contributions may be made to iamals.org or the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the ALS clinic especially, Dr. Jeffrey Statland. To everyone at the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter thank you for helping our family create so many in the moment memories. Finally, to the ICU team at The University of Kansas Hospital thank you for taking such great care of James in his final days.