James Lee Armstrong Jr

James Lee Armstrong, Jr. passed away on December 24, 2024 at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. He was born on November 11, 1946 in Kelso, Arkansas to James and Ollie (Mosby) Armstrong, Sr. James Jr. was the youngest of four children. His parents and sisters, Veola Robinson (Sister) and Ida Mae Armstrong (Baba) preceded him in death.

James grew up in Kansas City, Kansas where he was a graduate of Sumner High class of 1966. After high school, James worked at Russell Stover Chocolates in Kansas City. In 1967, he was drafted by the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam War. James did a two-year tour in Vietnam as part of the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment known as the “Blackhorse Regiment.” He was honorably discharged in 1969. James returned to Kansas City, Kansas where he was hired as a machinist for the Bendix Plant in Kansas City, Missouri. This eventually led to his most treasured career as a machinist for Trans World Airlines (TWA) in Kansas City.  James’ motto to anyone he met (and he never met a stranger he didn’t know) was, “Fly TWA!”

James loved his family and friends. His backyard patio located off of 19th and Parallel was always a place to stop by and play cards and dominoes. Friends would drive down Parallel Parkway just to see who was all at his house. Visiting James always led to a good time and plenty of laughter.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Trayci Armstrong-Anderson of Lee’s Summit, MO; granddaughter Romayne Anderson Pruitt (Chase) of Raytown, MO; three great-grandsons, Kaden Byrd, Riley Pruitt and River Pruitt all of Raytown, MO; his sister, Daisy Armstrong of Kansas City, KS; his dearest friend and companion, Annette Hamilton of Kansas City, KS and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, high school classmates and friends.

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