James Cash Penney was born on March 22, 1940 in Washington, Mo., to Laura and Eli Robert “Bob” Penney. He moved several times during his childhood due to his father’s responsibility to the JC Penney Co. He graduated in 1958 from St. Agnes High School in Mission Hills, Kans. He also attended the University of Kansas and Park University. He served in the Army National Guard for two years.
His love for racing began in 1950 and continued to his final day. One of the highlights of his racing career includes a championship at Ascot Motor Speedway in Gardenia, Calif., in 1965. He did everything from driving, to mechanical work, to being a car owner. Penney racing actually started in 1958 and is carried on today by his son and it continues to live up to the tradition. He was inducted into two racing Hall of Fames: Central Auto Racing Boosters and California Jalopy Hall of Fame.
He owned and operated Penney Auto Sales in Raytown, Mo., for 25 years. It was there that he met his future wife, Claudine, in 1983. They were together for 34 years. Together they have two sons, Tim Archuletta of Liberty, Mo., and Bobby Penney of Smithville, Mo.; daughter in law, Kayla Archuletta; Bobby’s girlfriend, Logan Hudlemeyer; and four grandchildren, Kevin, Jimmy, Michael and Kelly. He is also survived by his two favorite puppies, Rowdy and Champ.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the ASPCA in honor of Jim and his love for animals.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2017 with service immediately following at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Lawson Chapel. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery, Hamilton, Mo.
Our Sincere Condolences
Claudine, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Sam, Ex Hunan Hostess
Jim and Tutti were faithful for many years in seeing that all of the expired race car drivers in our area were honored on Memorial Day by placing memorials on each grave. It was very much appreciated by my family and I’m sure by many others. Jim will be missed.
Mary Lou Slater McClre
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was one of the nicest people we knew. Loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.
All Our Love and Prayers,
Bill, Deb, Brian, Hope, Megan, Nathaniel, Lillian & Baby Nathaniel
Sorry to hear this news. Haven been an official at I70 Speedway and a CARB member, I was honored to call him my friend. Was always very nice to talk with and had a renown knowledge of racing. He really enjoyed being a part of his son Bobby’s race team. You will be missed my friend. Enjoy the races.
Rodney Hawkins
I’ve known Jim, Tutti and their sons since the early 80s through his love of racing. Jim was a unique guy and that’s why I enjoyed talking to him. My condolences to Tutti, Tim, Bobbie and their families.
Steve Hartwich