Jay N. Hankins

Jay Hankins, of Greenwood, MO, passed away in the early hours of January 21, 2020. Born on 11-7-35 to Leroy "Hank" Hankins and Gerty Hankins. Preceded in death by both parents and his brother Tom. Survived by his wife of 64 years Gay, his two sons Mike and Pat, and 5 grandsons: Steve, Jeff, Chris, Scott and Jackson, and his sister Dr. Ann Hunt, West Lafayette, Indiana and his prized great granddaughter Lily, Survived also by his son Pat's wife Susan, and the mothers of his grandsons Mrs. Jo Wilson and Mrs. Donna Hankins.

Standout athlete at Ritenour HS in St Louis, played FB and Baseball at Mizzou (class of 57). Made his Major League Debut in Yankee Stadium in 1961 with the Kansas City Athletics.. 50 year guy in professional baseball, working in various capacities with Kansas City A's, Kansas City Royals. the Cleveland Indians,the Major League Scouting Bureau, the Philadelphia Phillies and ultimately finishing his career with the Anaheim Angels.

As was the case with most professional baseball players from that generation, he had to work in the offseason. He evolved into a highly respected referee in both HS football, wrestling and basketball as well as gathering respect at the collegiate level as an official in both football and basketball. He has been inducted into multiple Hall of Fames and garnered many honors and awards as an official at both the high school and collegiate level, as well as multiple honors in his chose field of professional baseball.

His career as an athlete, baseball man and sports official all bear a few common themes: integrity, work ethic, honesty and hustle.He touched many lives in all realms that he walked, had many friends and few enemies. He was a great father, a faithful husband, a role model to many in different walks of life, a strong Christian, and overall just flat out one of the more decent human beings that you would ever meet.

As one of his sons who admired him deeply, I invite you to attend his funeral at Lees Summit Christian Church on Monday, January 27. 2020. Visitation at 11-1:00 and services at 1:00. Private burial at Park Lawn Cemetery afterwards.

Visitation will be 11AM, services 1PM, Monday, January 27 at Lee’s Summit Christian Church, 800 NE Tudor Rd.; private burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.