Jim Kearney, former KC Chiefs player and retired teacher, dies at 81
Jim Kearney was known by many for his years in the NFL playing football as a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Though he was a life long athlete, Kearney believed that in order to succeed in life he had to excel physically and mentally. After ending his football career he dedicated himself to his family and serving the metro community that he called home until his death earlier this month.
Kearney, a former professional athlete and teacher, died Aug. 6 He was 81.
His son, Daryl Kearney, remembers that his father was well respected by everyone he encountered. He saw the passion and love that his father dedicated to the community and believes those sentiments were passed down to him and his siblings.
“He believed in service,” the younger Kearney said of his father. “After he stopped playing he wanted to stay here because he really fell in love with the city.”
While family members are still grieving the loss of the patriarch, they have found comfort in the many messages, posts, and calls they have received, and the outpouiring of stories about how much Kearney impacted the lives of the people he knew, said Kearney’s granddaughter, Dayonne Richardson.
“I think we have been amazed at the level of support from the city,” said Richardson. “It allows us to see the impact he had on the people. And seeing his life be celebrated makes us feel proud of him and who he was.”
Originally born in Wharton, Texas, Kearney started playing football as a kid and had a natural talent for the sport. His son remembers how his father never allowed himself to become complacent and was always practicing and pushing himself. Kearney played football professionally for 12 years and won a championship ring with the Chiefs after their 1970 Super Bowl IV victory.
After his retirement from football, Kearney spent a lot of his time playing golf, his new favorite athletic passtime.
Kearney was always striving to do his best and he drilled the importance of giving your best into his children and later the students he taught.
When his athletic career ended Kearney opened a recreational center and arcade that closed in 1980. He then went to work for Washington High School, where he was a biology teacher and coach for over 30 years.
“My father taught us the importance of serving the community we live in,” said Kearney’s son. “He believed in having a strong work ethic and never cared about recognition or praise for it.”
For his family, Kearney’s character as a father, coach and educator was second to none. His children referred to him as a “closet champion.” He never putting himself above anyone.
Richardson said her grandfather inspired her, not just to be a good person, but also to pursue education. Today she’s an instructional coach at Hogan Preparatory Academy and said she learned about the power of education from her grandfather.
Richardson’s father and his brother were Kearney’s nephews that he adopted and raised along with his own children after their mother’s death.
Richardson said she grew up with immense respect for Kearney after hearing stories from her father about how Kearney changed his life by taking him in and being a father.
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“When I was in college, we had a project where we had to interview an educator,” said Richardson. “I felt so excited to talk to him about his teaching. I was able to talk to him about why he went into education and how he felt that these young Black boys needed to see that. It really inspired me and I will cherish that.”
Kearney went to work as a teacher everyday dressed in a suit and tie because he believed that the students he taught needed to see an image of a strong Black man. According to Richardson, this started a trend of student athletes wearing dress clothes in their day-to-day life.
Wanting to shine a light, more broadly, on the contributions Kearney made to his community on the field and in the classroom, family members are starting a campaign to have Kearney inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Honor.
“His lack of recognition from the Chiefs organization really bothered me,” said his son. “It would have been nice for him to get recognized while he was alive but better late than never.”
Other Remembrances
Louis Elliott Jr.
Louis Elliott Jr., a United States Army veteran, died June 25. He was 53.
Elliot was born in Kansas City on Feb. 28, 1971, to Judith and Louis Elliot Sr.
He graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science in Kansas City, Kansas and later attended Johnson County Community College, where he received an associate degree in business administration.
Elliot enlisted in the army as a medical supply specialist during the Gulf War. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his bright personality that was able to bring a smile to the faces of those around him.
He is remembered by his father, Louis Elliott Sr.; Mother Judith Sims; brother, Vincent Anderson; children; Louis Elliott, Kamira Elliott, and Julian Elliott; along with a host of relatives, cousins and friends.
Beverly Robinson
Beverly Robinson, nurse and mother, died Aug. 3. She was 89.
Robinson was born January 9, 1935, in Liberty, Missouri to Slyvester Hickman and Dolly Rife. She grew up in Excelsior Springs, Missouri and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. She later received her Licensed Practical Nurse certification in nursing and worked for the Medical Center of Independence, which became Centerpoint Medical Center in 2007.
After a 30-year career she retired and became an active volunteer with The American Legion and her church, Second Baptist Church.
She married Marvin Eugene Robinson on April 9, 1955, and they had three children. The couple was married for 63 years.
She is remembered by her daughter, Linda Robinson-Smith; siblings, Leon Allen, Dolores Eggleston, Sylvia Thompson, Cordelia Hickman, Gladys Hickman and Rosie Drain; along with a host of other relatives and friends.
