James A. Bikson, 83, of Overland Park, passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 6, at Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the Jewish Community Center or The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s Retreat Center Fund. Jim’s daughter Nancy is running the London Marathon this April in honor of Jim and would be grateful for donations to support her charity, Blond McIndoe Medical Research Foundation, at www.justgiving.com/nancy-bikson.

Jim, as he was always known, was born and grew up in Minneapolis, moving to Kansas City in his late teens. He graduated from the University of Missouri and had lived in the Kansas City area since.

Jim was a former member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and president of its Brotherhood. He was a passionate supporter of Mizzou sports and always had a stash of chocolate within easy reach. Jim was well known for his love of barbecue and particularly looked forward to his role each year as a judge at the American Royal Barbecue contest.

Jim enjoyed sailing and hand built an 18-foot sailboat, which he raced on Lake Jacomo. He was very modest and always looked on the bright side of life. He was a loving family man, proud of his children and close to his five grandchildren.

Jim and his former wife, Betty, had three children who survive him, Bruce (Shari) Bikson, Gayle (Ron) Levin, all of Overland Park, and Nancy Bikson of Tunbridge Wells, England. He has five loving grandchildren, Scott Bikson, Carie Bikson, Katie Yawitz, Jarret Levin and Blaine Levin.

An online guest book is available at www.louismemorialchapel.com.

Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.