Jim Kanakis

(From Parker Mortuary)

James L. Kanakis age 66, Webb City, Missouri passed away in the arms of loved ones peacefully at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota on January 2nd, 2026.

Jim was born on January 31st, 1959 in Decatur, Illinois to Louis and Aulene (Holiman) Kanakis. In 1963, his family moved to Carl Junction, Missouri where he attended and graduated from Carl Junction High in 1977. He then went on to graduate from Missouri Southern State University in 1981 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics.

After graduating from college, Jim spent his working career as a Consumer Goods Salesman. During his career, he was most proud of his work with:

· Sunbeam Leisure Products (1982-1989) - Regional & Export Sales Manager

· Igloo Products Corp. (1989-2003) - Director of Sales & National Accounts

· Outdoor Leisure Products - (2010-2018) - Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Jim will be most remembered for his compassionate and caring gestures and personality. Jim had a special love for his country and all those who served and fought for our freedoms. He attended many Navy football games with his brother, Mark.

Jim was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and attended many games with his son Alex every season. Along with football, Jim's other greatest hobby was the game of golf. He enjoyed playing rounds with his brothers, co-workers and son. For his 60th birthday, he was able to go to the Masters and watch one of his favorite players, Tiger Woods win his 15th Major Championship. A memory that he was very proud of and grateful he got to experience.

Jim married Rayla (Bess) Kanakis on May 17th, 1986. They enjoyed traveling the world together, attending concerts and making memories together. Jim was very proud of his wife's musical talents, specifically when it came to playing the piano. He would do his best to hide outside of the Piano room while she was practicing and later, he would ask her if she could play the songs again for him. He never missed an opportunity to be in attendance for any of Rayla's concerts and was incredibly proud to be her husband.

Jim & Rayla had one son, Alexander Louis Kanakis in 1992. Jim and Alex had a bond that could not be broken. They shared a love for sports that had a main emphasis on golf and a passion for business that kept them very close.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents - Louis and Aulene Kanakis.

Jim is survived by: Wife - Rayla Kanakis, Webb City, Mo. Son - Alex Kanakis, Joplin, Mo. Brothers - Nick and his wife Dee Kanakis. - Joplin. Lee Kanakis - Bartlesville, OK. Mark Kanakis - Webb City, Mo. Aunt - Bette Williams - Fayetville, Ark. and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

"Though life Separates us, memory keeps you close - and faith reminds us this goodbye is not forever."