John E. Redmond

John Edward Redmond of Kansas City, Missouri, 86 passed away peacefully with family close by on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, after a hard fight with Kidney Disease. He was born on December 11th, 1938, to Thomas and Veronica Redmond. John (J.R.) was raised in Kansas City with his brother Tom (T-Bird). John attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Grade School, Rockhurst High School 1955, Rockhurst College 1959 and graduated from the St. Louis University School of Law in 1962. He met his wife Janet on a blind date, started dating right away and were married on May 4th, 1963, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Together they raised five wonderful children, most still residing in the Kansas City area. They were part of a unique “Dinner Club” including six couples of their closest friends. They gathered regularly for dinner and drinks for over 50 years. 

John was a distinguished Trial Attorney with a focus on Personal Injury and Workman’s Compensation cases. He was a dedicated defender of the underdog or first-time offender for any traffic offenses as he helped so many high school and college kids earn a second chance. He was also involved in politics serving as a Jackson County Legislator and running for Magistrate Judge. John possessed one of the highest moral characters and practiced law until he was 84. 

His passions included practicing his catholic faith at St. Thomas More Church. He loved to do the Sunday morning Mass readings and made sure everyone could hear the words. He volunteered for whatever was needed at St. Thomas More, Seton Center and St. James. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play all different sports, he loved taking care of Jennifer’s dogs, walking the Red Bridge neighborhood, watching Rockhurst High School sports, Mizzou and Chiefs football. He and Janet visited the major U.S. National Parks and traveled all throughout Europe to many different popular countries. John was an excellent golfer and played thousands of rounds at Longview Golf course which included 5 Hole-In-Ones. At one time he had over 50 friends play in his very own Firecracker tournament. His favorite joys in life included being a husband, father, grandfather, attorney, coach and laughing with so many friends and family. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Tom and his wife Maggie. John is survived by his wife Janet of 61 years, his sons Timothy (Amy), Steve (Denice), Michael (Dena) and daughters Karen (David) and Jennifer. He was also a proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, Caitlin, Jonny, Madison, Lauren, Connor, Amanda, James, Kyle, and Collin. 

A visitation and Mass will be held on Friday, December 27th at St. Thomas More Church. Visitation: 10 am, Funeral Mass: 1130 am. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to: St Thomas More “Neighbors In Need” and Seton Center.