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Linda Hicks (Montayne)
We have lost another classmate. James Peter Kanyo passed away October 18, 2026. RIP James.
James Kanyo Obituary
James Peter Kanyo, 79, of Wildwood, MO passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in Town and Country, MO surrounded by family.
He was born on November 12, 1946, in St Louis, MO to Peter and Hattie (Matula) Kanyo. James graduated Alton High School in 1965 and subsequently attended as a business major at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He served five years in the United States Air Force, receiving honorable discharge in 1973 as a Vietnam Veteran. The majority of his career was spent at Union Electric, starting as a lineman in Alton, and eventually managing records for the Callaway power plant in Missouri. He also worked at Edward Jones, and later in his career worked for the Alton School District as a bus driver and teacher assistant for autistic students.
He will forever be remembered by his loving wife of 29 years, Deborah Sue Kanyo; son, Jeremy James Kanyo (Maurice Fernandez); daughter, Courtney Kanyo Veszi; two stepsons, Derrick (Laci) Davault and Dustin (Samantha) Davault; grandchildren, Oszkar Veszi, Brynden, Brystel, Delanie, Dani, and David Davault; a brother, Ollie Kanyo, and a sister, Nancy Yates. He will also be missed by his first wife Paula, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage, countless friends and family, his loving and loyal dog, Cassie, and every life blessed by his friendship, kindness, and generosity.
James was an active member of each community he touched. A devout Christian, he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Encounter sponsor. In Alton, he was a member of the American Legion and various golf leagues, volunteered for numerous festivals. And was a member of the local Elks club near Table Rock Lake.
James' main mission in life was to serve everyone around him, offering aid, comfort, and assistance to anyone within shouting distance. His favorite phrase was "Can I get you anything?" and he wouldn't rest until everyone around him was offered every beverage, snack, comfy chair, blanket, or amenity available. He was also a master of delivering an off-color joke, at exactly the wrong time. But above all, James' guiding force was kindness. Those who survive him are fortunate and honored to continue his tradition of lending a hand, an ear, and a word of encouragement.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, October 23rd, 2026, from 3:00-6:00pm with a memorial service following at 6:00pm at Gent Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Shortly after there will be a gathering at Johnson's Corner in Alton, IL. Memorials may be given to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or Ignite at 1st United Methodist Church.
 
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