James M. (Jim) Holcroft of Overland Park passed away on September 14, 2026, in his home surrounded by family. James was born January 11, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of John Sidney Holcroft Sr. and Connie Irene (Marshall) Holcroft.
Jim grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He served our country during the cold war and spent three years in the U.S. Army Military Police, two of those years in Fontenet, France, at the Fontenet Ordnance Depot, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Upon completing his military service and returning to the U.S., he worked in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Patrol. He then worked for Western Electric in Lee’s Summit, where he met the love of his life, Gloria. They were married in Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 1968, where they made their home. At the appointment of the mayor, Jim was a member of the Lee’s Summit Police Advisory Board in 1970 and served as Vice Chairman. While working in law enforcement and at Western Electric, Jim attended the University of Missouri, Kansas City, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. When given the opportunity, he transferred to AT&T Long Lines and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he served as Account Executive, Sales Manager, and National Account Manager. Jim retired from AT&T with 25 years of service. He later worked for Digital Ocean, in Lenexa, Kansas, as Director of Sales. He also performed consulting services for APS Technologies of Kansas City, Mo.
Jim enjoyed fishing when time permitted. He made many trips to Minnesota, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Canada, Alaska, and California to enjoy fishing. He also traveled with his family to Canada and Mexico and took his family for a six-week vacation to Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti. He loved to play golf, and at times played in two leagues at the same time. He obtained his commercial pilot license and enjoyed the opportunity to fly occasionally until his daughters were born. He was a gifted woodworker and made quality furniture items. While his daughters were growing up he coached girls softball so he could be part of their lives during those formative years.
Jim was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mission, Kansas, and a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John S. Holcroft, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gloria J. Holcroft, two daughters, Dr. Carolyn C. Holcroft and Dr. Nancy I. Holcroft Benson (Ben), and two grandchildren, Diana and Henry Benson, all of Overland Park, Kansas. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to Trinity Lutheran Foundation (5601 West 62nd Street, Mission, KS 66202) or the charitable organization of your choice.