James E. Randolph

James Eugene “Jim” Randolph, 85, of Kansas City, Missouri, took his place among the stars on April 7, 2025. Born on January 19, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, to Wallace and Katherine Randolph, Jim displayed a natural mechanical curiosity from a young age. He found his passion in restoring classic cars, often modifying them with powerful engines built for speed.

Jim’s early interests led him to pursue higher education in engineering, eventually reaching the doctorate level in his studies. During this time, he joined the esteemed Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. His academic excellence paved the way for a distinguished career in aerospace engineering working for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He served in various leadership positions pertaining to both aeronautical engineering and project management. His critical roles contributed to many landmark space missions, including Mariner, Voyager, Solar Probe, and the Mars rover program.

Known for his innovative spirit, Jim developed new interplanetary transportation techniques and a revolutionary parabolic heat shield. In recognition of his many contributions to the field, he was named an Associated Fellow Emeritus of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2014. Even after retiring in 2005, Jim continued to consult for JPL, sharing his expertise and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was a man of deep Christian faith and wide-ranging interests. He loved sailing—whether at the family cabin on Big Bear Lake in California or at Longview Lake and Lake Jacomo in Kansas City. He also enjoyed snow skiing, tackling home projects, and spending time with family.

In June 2003, Jim married the love of his life, Patricia “Pat” Randolph, and relocated to the Kansas City area where they remained.

Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Randolph; his son, John (wife, Jennifer) Randolph, granddaughter, Kaia, and stepgrandchildren, Margot, Josh, and Sarah; his stepdaughter Julie (husband, Maurice) Schmidtler, and stepgrandchildren, Sarah, Hannah, Lydia, Eva, and Tabitha; brother, Robert Randolph; and his brother- and sister-in-law, Dan and Elaine Sander.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Sunday, April 27th, with visitation beginning at 2:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 3:00pm, and burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that interested parties donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.