John Hannibal

John Hannibal was born on November 05, 1950, to the late Elizabeth Hannibal and John “Johnnie” Kimsey in Omaha, Nebraska.  John passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

John grew up in Kansas City where he attended Central High School. After graduating in 1968, he went on to study Political Science and History at Fisk University in Nashville, TN and Kansas University in Lawrence, KS, respectively. John later pursued Criminal Justice at the University of Southern California (UCLA) Law School, where his passion for elevating the Black and African-American experience in America continued to take flight.

John was lover of life, family, education, and music; he was an incredible storyteller, an avid reader, lifelong student and teacher of culture, philosophy, history, sociology, politics, and international affairs. One of John’s favorite pastimes, in addition to spending time with family and friends, was debating with other intellectuals on the merits of his highly thought-out position regarding any polarizing topic he found intriguing.

He was the voice of reason, a trusted confidant by many individuals who came from different cultural backgrounds, races, and ethnicities.  Wherever John found himself, he never seemed to have met a stranger. He was a loyal friend and a dedicated Kansas City Chiefs football fan. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh that will forever resound in our hearts. He truly was one of a kind. 

John will forever be remembered and missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

John was proceeded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Hannibal, father, John “Johnnie” Kimsey; his grandparents, Carrie (Kirkwood) and William Hannibal.

He is survived by his wife Marie children, Zalika, Sibongile (Thaddeus Jr), Kikko, Sisi, and Rashid; 16 grandchildren, Azekiel, Zorian, Hadassah, Thaddeus III, X’Zander, Imani, Shakur, Emmanuelle, Derek, Akil, Shaylise, Jessie, Kahleia, James, Ajani,  and Nikeese. One sister, Carolyn and one brother Alfred; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Hannibal, please visit our floral store.