James Lawrence Driscoll

Jim was born on February 24, 1941, to James and Inez Driscoll in Billings, Montana. Growing up the oldest of four children on a dairy farm, Jim learned the value of a strong work ethic since milk cows don’t take a day off!

Jim graduated from Montana State University and then went on to receive his Masters and PhD from Oklahoma State University. It was in Stillwater that he met his beloved wife, Luz Marina Serrano. After completing his graduate work, Jim and Marina moved to Bogota, Colombia. Jim worked for the Ford Foundation while they lived in Bogota, where he learned to speak Spanish. When Jim and Marina moved back to the United States he began his career with the Department of Agriculture. After retiring from the USDA in 2001, Jim started a “hobby career” consulting for Watts and Associates, which he continued up until his death. Jim truly loved his work and valued intellectual pursuits.

Jim also believed in service to his community. He was a proud brother of Alpha Gamma Rho, serving as Treasurer of their Educational Foundation for decades. In 2018 he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He also served on the Friends of the Farmstead Executive Committee during a transformative time in the shaping of the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. In Zapatoca, Colombia, where he maintained a second home, many families were touched by his generosity.

Jim and Marina were married for 57 years and together they built a beautiful family that included daughters Cathy (Keith) and Christy (Mike). Jim cherished his role of Grandad to his five grandchildren: Megan, Ana, George, Liz, and Katie. Jim and Marina loved to travel. When they were in Overland Park, Jim looked forward to weekly family dinners. He especially enjoyed the energy the grandchildren brought to the house. Playing cards and reading were favorite pastimes for Jim as well as spending time with his dog Petunia. They escaped the weather extremes of winter and summer at their home in Zapatoca, where the door was always open, and anyone could enjoy a whiskey or snack courtesy of “Don Jim”. Jim was the rock of the family. He loved his family immensely and was a great listener. He provided wonderful words of advice and encouragement. He was kind and generous to all. Family and friends enjoyed gathering to spend time together at his home, whether in Overland Park or Zapatoca.

Jim is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Additional survivors include his sister, Eileen and his brothers, Jerry and Bob, and much beloved extended family and friends, too numerous to mention.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on March 29th at Christy’s house. A funeral Mass will be celebrated in Zapatoca, Colombia later this summer. If you are not able to join us, please pour yourself your favorite drink and raise a glass to a life well lived. It is what Jim would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, a favorite place for Jim and his grandchildren. Electronic donations can be made to: artsandrec-op.org in memory of Jim Driscoll. To make a donation by mail: Friends of the Farmstead, P.O. Box 26392, Overland Park, KS 66225