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KC businessman James Lee Rainey, Jr. passes away at 90

James Lee Rainey Jr..jpg
Posted at 12:52 PM, Mar 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-23 13:52:31-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — James "Jim" Lee Rainey, Jr., a well-known Kansas City businessman and philanthropist, passed away Saturday at the age of 90.

He passed peacefully in his sleep with his family nearby in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Rainey served as President and CEO of Farmland from 1986 to 1991.

After his retirement, he spent time helping the Kansas City, Missouri School District and was also a member of the Board of Regents for the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Rainey also served as Director for Commerce Bank and St. Lukes.

He was also an Army and Marine Korean War Counter-Intelligence Special Agent and served in the Korean War.

Rainey is remembered by those he loved as "polite, kind and welcoming to everyone from all walks of life and across the globe."

"Jim could be demanding, but no less so on himself. He was big-hearted, forgiving, and generous. Most people who talk about him speak first of his integrity and unwavering honesty. He had the personality and countenance of a person that you would hate to disappoint. His leadership skills and business acumen were well known and the reason many people called on him for advice. He was always calm under pressure, but always ready with a quip or saying that revealed an endearing sense of humor and a light touch with people," Rainey's family wrote.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Edith. He was also father to five children, grandfather to 16 children and great-grandfather to 10.

The family asked that his memory be honored by gifts to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.