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Judicial job applications let you be the judge (SIDEBAR) By Paul Koepp, Kansas City Business Journal Reading judges’ job applications is a surprisingly informative exercise. For example, take the trio of finalists for an open spot on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, which sits in Kansas City. Their applications detail everything from prior jobs to hobbies to instances where they have been sued. Perhaps most revealing is the list of five references at the end of each application. You could argue that Gov. Jay Nixon’s selection is heavily swayed by how much weight those supporters can throw around. Harold Walther, a partner a Walther Antel Stamper & Fischer PC in Columbia, lists Patrick Starke, president of the Missouri Bar, as a reference. Walther served as the bar’s president in 2009 and 2010. Both he and Starke, a Blue Springs attorney, have been active advocates against proposed changes to Missouri’s nonpartisan court plan. Walther has a couple of other key backers. Ray Price, an attorney at Armstrong Teasdale LLP, retired from the Missouri Supreme Court last year, saying he wanted to make sure his replacement came aboard before the court plan could be altered. And Craig Van Matre is at the same well-connected Columbia firm, Van Matre Harrison Hollis Taylor & Bacon PC, from which Nixon drew his last nominee to the state’s highest court, Paul Wilson. Walther also hosts a radio show in Columbia and has called bingo at the Cosmopolitan Columbia Luncheon Club since 1984. He’s familiar with the Missouri judiciary, serving as chairman of the commission that reviews complaints about judicial conduct. I’m guessing he’ll have to step down form that one is he’s picked. Another finalist, Clay County Judge Rex Gabbert, first worked as a hospital ward at what is now the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He’s been a circuit court judge since 2004. His references include both the prosecutor and sheriff of Clay County. Gabbert also lists Kelli Schutte, chairwoman of the business school at William Jewel College in Liberty. With apologies to those three, Gabbert’s coolest supporter is Jim Chappell, owner of the famed Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum in North Kansas City. Chappell, who counts plenty of Northland legal types among his lunch crowd, has known Gabbert since he got out of law school. Gabbert previously served on the board of North Kansas City Hospital. “I know tons of judges and tons of lawyers, and I’ve never heard a bad thing about him,” Chappell said, adding that his endorsement came despite the fact that he’s a Republican (a longtime friend of Kitt Bond) and Gabbert is not. The third finalist, John Miller of Kansas City law firm Swanson Midgley LLC, has recommendations from three local lawyers: Dan Crabtree of Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, Roger Geary of Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP and Jim Morrow of Morrow Wilnauer Klosterman Church PC 
Jim Chappell
KC’S LATEST HALL-OF-FAME INDUCTEE By Ingrid Flaspohler, NORTH Magazine On January 27th, fifteen new members were officially inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Honorees included a few athletes with local name recognition: Mike Sweeney, for example, the popular first baseman for the Royals, and Tony Richardson, fullback for the Chiefs for eleven seasons and a three-time representative at the Pro Bowl. Perhaps less “name brand,” but every bit as dynamic is Jim Chappell, whose inclusion on the venerable list was not for his athletic endeavors. Rather, his claim to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame hails from his extensive collection of sports memorabilia, which he displays at his Northland restaurant. With over 10,000 items and counting, Jim has earned his own special place in our state’s sports history. It is his warm charisma and affable nature, though, that has no doubt earned his a place in the hearts of his customers. Walking in to his establishment, Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum at 323 Armour Road in North Kansas City, one could be instantly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items adorning the walls and ceilings. Pennants, posters, helmets and more occupy every nook and crevice of the building’s 7,000 square feet. Chain restaurants such as TGI Fridays and the like often decorate with faux Americana and chotchkies to simulate a nostalgic atmosphere, but Chappell’s is the real deal. From the baseballs signed by Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, to Muhammad Ali’s gloves, to high school trophies, every item is a genuine artifact, and each has a story. A crackling fireplace near the entrance and polished wood and brass finishings throughout create a warm, inviting ambiance. Chappell’s is what TGI Fridays only wishes it could be, a real-life “Cheers” with museum-quality memorabilia and great food to boot. The collection of memorabilia is truly impressive, but Chappell himself is undoubtedly a large part of the charm and popularity of the place. Since opening his restaurant/museum in 1986, he has hosted famous athletes, heads of state and media personalities. He has earned plenty of press and minor-celebrity status along the way. It is not unusual, however, for him to offer a personal tour to anyone and everyone who walks into his restaurant. It is evident he delights in playing host and entertaining his customers. Easy-going and authentic, Jim’s enthusiasm is infectious and endearing. It is easy to comprehend how he has achieved such success with his restaurant – he exudes the kind of positive energy that simply draws others near. If it is possible for a place to absorb the aura of a person, Chappell’s restaurant seems to emanate its proprietor’s warm, magnetic vibe. Although famous for the restaurant and all of the sports memorabilia, Jim’s personality and other interests reveal a multifaceted, cerebral man. The very idea for his place originated from the famed Algonquin roundtable, a literary salon made up of writers and intellectuals in 1920s New York. He studied art at Drury University and maintains a passion for it, regularly travelling to museums around the world. Reading is another of his favorite pastimes, and a topic about which he will readily steer the conversation. While always gracious in indulging conversation about his collection, it is clear that there is more depth to Chappell than his belongings. He admits, “Sometimes, possessions possess you.” When conversation turns to local sports, Chappell is carefully diplomatic and optimistic in regards to Kansas City’s beleaguered sports teams. He admits that he answers all inquires about his outlook for the Chiefs and Royals the same way each time, with a sunny prediction that they will do better this year. However in regards to the Royals, “This year,” he says with a wink, “I really mean it.” There also is plenty of local college representation on display, with KU, KState and MU paraphernalia claiming ample real estate throughout the restaurant. The Iowa Hawkeyes are Chappell’s personal favorite, though. Growing up in Keokuk, Iowa, Chappell has been a lifelong fan of the University’s teams. Along with sports buffs, Chappell’s is popular with children. Chappell relishes the opportunity to make a child’s day with a guided tour or special token. Chappell recalls one young boy who visited his restaurant many years ago who was especially enthralled with the display of baseball memorabilia. Chappell gifted the boy with a baseball, personally signed, “Go Hawks.” The boy later returned to Chappell’s as an adult. His childhood encounter with the friendly sports enthusiast had left quite an impression. He gave the baseball back to Chappell, but next to “Go Hawks,” it was signed, “Go Clones,” a nod to the Hawkeye’s arch rival at Iowa State. It is Chappell’s obvious love for people that seems to drive him the most. The memorabilia itself is valuable, but it is in the way that his collection enables Chappell to interact with others that seems to bring him the most reward. “I have no intention of retiring. I love my customers. I get to talk to people from all over. It’s easy to make people feel good in this restaurant. I love it.” With his new place in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Chappell’s legacy is now sealed in sports history. For visitors to his restaurant and those who meet him, the impression of the man himself is sure to be just as enduring. |
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