James Manning Jr.

Life’s Reflections

James Manning Jr. affectionately known as “Billy” by his loved ones, passed on to the hands of our Lord on December 15, 2019 at Providence Medical Center in KCK at the age of 67.

”Billy” was born on October 10, 1952 in the family home from the loving union his father James Manning, Sr. and his mother Maggie (Singleton) Manning. He was one of seven children born from this holy bond of marriage. 

Throughout his life he remained a loyal citizen of Kansas City, Kansas and found Christ at an early age at Salem Baptist Church. James "Billy” graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1970.  After high school he attended college at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business. He was very proud of this achievement. His thirst for education did not stop there, for James sought a desire into understanding law and through this knowledge he was able to help others in need of understanding the law to their personal benefits. After college James began working for General Motors where he worked for 34 years. He retired from General Motors in 2008 after an impressive career with the organization. 

James met his long-term companion and partner, Yolanda “Londie” Gee many years ago. However, James and Londie became reacquainted in 2004 and remained inseparable for 15 years until his death.  

Music was important to James, as he comes from a musical family. James enjoyed his hobby as a DJ back in his youth. In his later years, he continued his love of music and often listened to his favorite song, “Mother” by Marvin Gaye. James also appreciated the art of film and movies for his knowledge of any director or producer of any movie ever created was unmatched however the reference of this knowledge surely brought a fun element of enjoyment to family and friends. 

James was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Leon Manning. 

James leaves to cherish his memories and is survived by his soulmate, partner and wife, Yolanda Gee, of Kansas City, Kansas; his siblings; Grady Manning, Kansas City, Kansas; John Manning, Stone Mountain, Georgia; David Manning, San Diego, California; Naomi Manning, Kansas City, Kansas; and Alvester Manning, Kansas City, Missouri; a host of  nieces, nephews, cousins and  other relatives. 

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