James Terrell O'Malley, age 92, of Warrensburg, MO passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.

Jim was born in Lexington, MO on July 12, 1931 to James and Hazel Terrell O'Malley. He grew up in Lexington, a town rich in diversity and history, and attended the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parochial School, where he was taught by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist and received his spiritual formation.

Jim attended high school in Lexington before entering Central Missouri State College, where he received two Bachelor's and a Master's degree. In his senior year, Jim was voted "Most Popular Boy on Campus" by the student body. He was also elected to the Who's Who in Colleges and Universities. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Kappa and Theta Chi social fraternities. Jim became a social studies teacher in Braymer, MO, later a guidance counselor at Fort Osage High School in Independence, MO, and eventually a guidance counselor at Dana Junior High School in Arcadia, CA.

Jim began his doctoral studies in guidance counselling at Arizona State University and graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in June of 1967. While working on his doctorate at ASU, he met the love of his life, Eleanor Fitzgerald. They married in 1969 and began a beautiful, blessed life together.

Jim taught briefly at UMKC before beginning his professional career at Central Missouri State College (University of Central Missouri) in September of 1967. Dr. O'Malley served on several university committees, was elected to the faculty senate, and was an advisor to many graduate students as they completed their theses and research papers.

Jim developed and was the first president of the Missouri Association for Religious Values in Counseling. He was a licensed psychologist, a licensed professional counselor, and a lifetime member of the American Psychological Association. After 29 years as Professor of Psychology and Counselor Education, Dr. O'Malley retired from UCM on July 1, 1996.

Jim was a friendly, optimistic man with a kind, gentle sense of humor and never met a stranger. He was proud of his Irish-Catholic heritage and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a deep love of music and singing throughout his life and was a member of the Warrensburg Community Chorus for several years as well as member of the Singing Chorus at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, MO during the 1952 and 1955 seasons.

Jim enjoyed twenty-seven years of retirement with his wife, Ellie. He loved his friends and family and is now fulfilled. He truly was a jewel.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Burial will follow at Lexington Memory Gardens in Lexington, MO.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bell Tower Fund and can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.