One of Kansas City's most well-known philanthropists has been laid to rest.
Hundreds paid their respects to James B. Nutter and his family at the Country Club Christian Church. He passed away Friday at the age of 89.
Nutter called himself a mortgage banker, but those who knew him say he was much more.
Nutter and his wife Annabel quietly gave millions of dollars to non-profits, along with countless hours of volunteering and political leadership guidance.
He started his namesake company, James B. Nutter & Company, in 1951. There he made it possible for many veterans, minorities and women to get first time home loans when they had been turned away from other companies.
He's described as a mentor by many prominent Missouri politicians. Representative Emanuel Cleaver said he would never have been elected without Nutter's support.
Though his efforts in the community are countless, he was most proud of helping revitalize the Paseo and Ivanhoe neighborhood, restoring colorful homes in Old Westport known fondly as Nutterville, and making parks walking and jogging friendly.
His son, Jim B. Nutter Jr., said his father loved to fight for the little guy.
"He loves the east side of Kansas City. He loved to help people who may have been underserved in regards to money," Nutter Jr. said.
Nutter also advocated for social change, during a time when one funeral goer said African-Americans only did business with African-Americans.
"He walked around here in the 1960s knocking on doors - hostile doors - asking people to vote for public accommodations that would give African Americans and Latinos the right to go to restaurants," Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver said.
Senator Claire McCaskill flew in from D.C. to say goodbye to her mentor. She said she had benefited from Nutter's wisdom and kindness since her first election.
"This was a guy who was so grounded and so humble, so willing to give to others. He was a terrific role model for me in that regard," McCaskill said.
McCaskill also said Nutter never asked for anything – he just wanted people to have a strong work ethic and make the community better.
Nutter leaves behind his wife Annabel, his son Jim, his daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Here is a written statement from the family:
“On Friday we lost our patriarch–an extraordinary man whose big heart, wisdom and generosity touched us and so many others in profound and lasting ways. He taught us not only how to be honorable and fair in business, but how to listen to, and learn about people from every country, culture and religion, and to have compassion for every living thing, whether on two legs or four. He was self-made but exceedingly unselfish. He shared what he learned and what he earned with his family, his friends, his employees and his customers, and good causes too many to mention. He loved Kansas City and took great joy in knowing and helping its people in any way that he could. He leaves behind a giant and benevolent shadow.”
