Finale: Kansas City Funeral For Mr. Peanut

Aftermath of politicos, civic patrons and lookie-loos honoring the man who has leveraged local politics for most of the modern era:

James B. Nutter, Man Who 'Loved Kansas City,' Remembered For Impact On Business, Politics

Starting with his own passion for homeownership, friends say James B. Nutter left his mark on Kansas City in the fields of business, politics and philanthropy. Friends and family will gather Thursday for Nutter's funeral. The founder and owner of the lending firm that bears his name died July 7 at the age of 89.

Comments

  1. Who was in the audience?

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  2. Orphan of the Road7/13/17, 6:21 PM

    Did Tracy and her bull horn make you 'fraid to attend?

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  3. So who runs the County now?

    Will Mike make his return?

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  4. I chose not to take my bullhorn, to the visitation Wed. night, and it was all fine.

    The crowd was immense, at Unity on the Plaza. The line to pass by the casket to speak with Annabel and Jim Jr. was 2 hours long. Every aisel fo the church sanctuary was full, and so was the lobby--becoming a fire hazzard--so finally the McGilley's staff took control and took people out of the lobby and seated them in 7 rows on the east side of the sanctuary, so they did not have to stand for two hours...at 6:30 (having formed at 5pm!!!)

    I could not stay that long--folks were obviously all sharing long recollections with Annabel, so I ciculated briefly. It was like a Jefferson/Jackson Day Democrat event, so many elected officials AND the minions who worked in every campaign, from door to door to phoners and fundraisers and church suppers, etc. Many of the same folks I had seen at Dutch Newman's funeral one year ago. Girl Scout cookies and bottles of water were served. Thin mints!!!

    In the space of five minutes, I had spoken with County Exec Frank White--I said, "I'm kinda fighting with Tony this week, too, Frank!" He said, "Do I get a day off?!"

    I turned around and was then greeted warmly by Sheriff Mike Sharp (who I learned is done running for office, and would love to be the next KCMO Police Chief). Turned again, former County Executive and VERY successful development attorney Mike "Mandate Mike" White. Then Harlings/Land Trust and "Mr. Kristi" dear campaign friend, Jerry Wyatt--the pal who took Nutter to Costco every Sat. am for years. And then Dick and Sandy Berkley. That was all in five minutes!

    Berkley is quite frail. Using his walker, and no camera with him. Sandy has frosted her hair, but they are still such a sharp looking and gracious couple. The crowd was very understanding and let Mayor Berkley cut the two hour line. The wait would have been unmanageable...it was 96 degrees outside,and about 83 degrees inside. Yet there Dick was in navy suit and red tie to show his respect.

    I was so glad Mayor Berkley and Sandy were allowed a line cut to extend their sympathies and gratitude to Annabel. Nutter supported Berkley in 1979 when it was a 4 way race--Berkley, Bruce Watkins, Joel Pelofsky (I managed his campaign, first woman to ever do that) and coming in fourth, like Beetlebaum--Charles B. Wheeler Jr. MD JD--who had lost Nutter's support.

    Tony was not seen there. Nor was Wheeler. There were a dozen Sheriff's deputies so I left my blue bullhorn in the car! No drama. Just a room full of love. And the much deserved respect and honor for a man who--if you knew the FACTS and had ever met or worked for the man in dozens of campaigns, as I did, it was so clear--he never ASKED electeds or TOLD them what to do.

    I didn't post my videos. Keith Myers from the Star did a much better job, (long lens camera from the balcony) and a great video tribute interviewing some of the attendees. Four stories were told Thurs. at the funeral, (read JimmyCSays blog for that.) But there are hundreds more stories to be shared. And I liked this KCUR post today, thanks for linking that, Tony.

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    1. Tracy, what did you wear? A short black dress with black hose?

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    2. Sounds like a giant asshole parade.

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    3. I've never seen anyone report on a wake or funeral like it was a garden party. You really are a strange bird.

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  5. So after kissing all that ass how are those great lips Tracy? Are you still able to swallow?

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  6. Ahh the fairest of the fair the ever alluring yet mysterious Tracy returns.

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  7. Mr. Nutter was a class act. It has been rumored that he is Tony's father. Which would explain why no one saw Tony at the funeral. RIP Mr. Nutter Kansas City will miss you.

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  8. Sounds boring. Not really newsworthy. Doesn't deserve much coverage.

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  9. Nutter was a fucking crook and bully. Dance in hell asshole!

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  10. Do contributions to politicians qualify as philanthropic?

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  11. Nutter was a Political Pimp. No love there

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  12. 2:49, good question. The answer, of course, is NO. Which is why it is so remarkable how much Jim Nutter contributed. It was not deductible.

    Have you ever run for office like I have--and had to raise funds? (I served three terms on the Shawnee City Council, including as Council President.) It is very hard to run for office. Families and soccer moms do not write checks. They might put up a yard sign. But who pays for those yard signs, and the mailers and the postage??

    Yes, some corporations like Burns & Mac donate to all the campaigns of the KCMO council--but they DO want and expect something. Zoning or tax breaks, etc. Nutter did not ask for those. He just vetted candidates and wrote checks and supported the better choice in most races.

    He will be missed. The same was true of the late, great Ron Deffenbaugh. Before he died, having been paralyzed by careless staff at SM Medical Center, RD wrote a check to everyone who asked--who was running for the hundreds of pissant small races like city council of a small city. Because he came up poor, started his business on $500. He never called me and told me how to vote. Like Nutter in that way.

    Greater KC is the poorer for those two men passing. So I hope if anyone asks you to contribute to a local campaign, maybe next time, you will write a $50 check at least. Commenting here is cheap. Writing a check is what is needed.

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    1. I'm a lifelong, fourth generation, Kansas Citian (58 years). I follow local news and my parents and late grandparents were very active in social, civic and philanthropic circles. For someone who is constantly drumming up the offices she's held, name dropping, etc., I've never heard of you nor has anyone else I've asked. Is it that your real fame is just as a regular commenter on TKC?

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  13. Hey, 11:03 Anonymous--
    I've certainly heard of you!

    If you want to read my resume of sorts, it's on About on my actual blog, www.jocopost.com.

    We all make a difference in this town. Have a great day. And keep reading. Next time, howsabout signing YOUR name?

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  14. He was so crooked, they had to screw him into the ground..

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