J.W. DeRodes

James William "J.W." DeRodes, 85, of Olathe, Kansas, peacefully passed away on July 28, 2026. He was born on September 21, 1940, in Van Buren, Ohio, to Donald and Evalyn DeRodes.

J.W. graduated from Van Buren High School in 1958 and married the love of his life, Dorene Rhae Howard, on September 17, 1960. Together they shared 65 years of marriage and built a life and family that meant everything to him.

A respected Certified Professional Constructor, J.W., spent his career building commercial projects from coast to coast. He was the eighth person in the United States to earn the designation of Certified Professional Constructor and later retired from DeRodes Constructors, Inc the company he proudly built and led.

J.W. was active throughout the years with the Shriners, Scottish Rite Freemasons, Lions Club, Jaycees, and the Elks Lodge. He also helped found a local dance club in Ohio with his family. He was a devoted Chiefs fan, loved Kansas City barbecue, and was happiest with a fishing rod in hand.

Few places brought him more peace and joy than the banks of Roaring River State Park, where he spent countless hours telling stories, sharing wisdom, and passing along his love of trout fishing to family and friends.

J.W. spent his life building. He built buildings, a business, a community, and a family. He believed that what endures is not built of steel and concrete, but rather through loyalty, honesty, hard work, and caring for the people you love.

He leaves a legacy as solid as anything he ever constructed, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

J.W. was preceded in death by his son, James Kent DeRodes; his sister, Barbara L. Harrold; and his parents, Donald and Evalyn DeRodes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorene DeRodes of Olathe, Kansas; his daughter, Deven DeRodes-(Greg) Voss of Olathe, Kansas; his grandson, Ethan (Grace) Voss of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother, Don DeRodes of Fremont, Ohio and several nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Mike Briggs (Janice Yee) of Culver City, CA.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe, Kansas. The family will receive friends during a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., preceded by a Masonic service at 12:45 p.m. Burial will follow at 3:15 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Overland Park, Kansas followed by a reception at Heritage Presbyterian Church, Olathe, KS.

Memorials may be made in JW’s honor to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

To leave a special message for JW's family or to share a memory of Jim, please visit the guestbook below.