Timothy James "TJ" Lunceford

Timothy James “TJ” Lunceford was born in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 1st, 1991 to Tim and Angela Lunceford. He was a very strong and energetic kid who loved bike riding, camping, swimming, fishing, kayaking, garage sales, shoes, and looking at old houses. He had a vibrant sense of humor and could spend quite a bit of time joking around and having fun with his siblings, Erin, Jenni, and Michael. He also spent a great deal of time adventuring with his cousins, Casey & Cody. They were quite the trio, plodding around through creeks and timber exploring what it is to be boys. Diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome when he was five years old, he was quite a handful most of the time. It was difficult for him to be around crowds, but that didn’t stop him from being included in family celebrations and gatherings, as long as there was a place to hide when it became too stressful. He had a soft spot for his niece Abby and his nephews, Caleb, Timmy, and Travis. The nature of his personality shone through the challenges he faced and he was able to create many deep friendships that have lasted through many, many years. In 2019, he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. The aggressive and destructive nature of the cancer was able to destroy his body, but his personality survived intact through the remaining years. He tolerated all the treatments, appointments, a virtual army of doctors & nurses, and agonizing pain without losing his happiness, love, and humor. His strength and endurance were incredible. The cancer was also unable to destroy TJ’s understanding that he was a good man and that Jesus loved him. The faith he possessed was strengthened by the example of faith of his whole family, his very dear friend and pastor, Rev. Scott Lemmermann, and a multitude of other Christian friends who all helped him know the love and peace that surpassed his circumstances. He taught his family and friends so many lessons about love, compassion, and the value of self-sacrifice that are seldom learned by most people. TJ passed into God’s eternal rest at 11:56 pm on June 19th, as his parents sat beside him holding his hand. A celebration of Life service will be held on July 20th, 2023 beginning at 10:30 at Historic Wood’s Chapel, 1040 NE Wood’s Chapel Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO. Interment will follow at 2:00 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville, 20109 Business MO-13, Higginsville, MO.

Timothy James "TJ" Lunceford

October 1, 1991 - June 19, 2023