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Martha Jane Phillips Starr lived a long and impactful life, spanning 105 years. Her years were dedicated to serving her community and uplifting the lives of Kansas Citians, with a particular focus on women. As a mother of two young boys, Martha Jane first became associated with Pembroke Hill School in the 1940s after her husband, John W. Starr, enlisted in the Navy during World War II. She enrolled her sons, J. Philip (Phil) ’51 (married to Katherine Barry Mann Starr ’56) and James ’53, in Pembroke-Country Day School, believing that they would benefit from the academic program, as well as from the influence of male role models.
Quickly immersing herself in the school's activities, Martha Jane served on the Board of Trustees from 1948 to 1953 and was later named an honorary alumna of Pem-Day. She also played a pivotal role in fundraising for Phillips Gymnasium, the oldest remaining building on the Ward Parkway Campus. Notably, the Martha Jane Phillips Starr Field of Interest Fund contributed a leadership gift of $1 million to name the women’s locker room suite in Bellis Athletic Center.
Her grandson, Jim Starr ’84, eloquently conveyed the significance of this gift, stating, “It’s a very meaningful opportunity to recognize her lifelong commitment to women and helping women actualize their potential.” Throughout her life, Martha Jane supported numerous organizations
in Kansas City, including the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Planned Parenthood of Kansas City, Powell Gardens, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Martha played an instrumental role in establishing several initiatives at UMKC dedicated to advancing women’s causes and recognizing extraordinary Kansas City women, such as the Family Study Center, the Women’s Council, the Women’s Center, and the Starr Women’s Hall of Fame.
“Our gift also continues my grandmother’s legacy of supporting the school,” Jim explained. “She saw the need back then; we recognize the need today.” Family members of the Fund Committee include Phil, Jim, Alicia Noonan Starr ’82, Jack Starr ‘10, Elizabeth Starr Gallagher ‘13, Emma Starr ‘14, Mary Kay McPhee, longtime friend of Mrs. Starr’s, and Mark McPhee ’69.
Starr’s granddaughter-in-law, Alicia Noonan Starr ’82, added, “She would never have imagined that she would have two grandsons (John ’81 and Jim ’84) and five great-grandchildren (Jack ’10, Elizabeth ’13, Emma ’14, Robert ’16 and Ethan ’17) as graduates of this school - two of them very strong women.”
Jim shared that, in addition to honoring his grandmother and her commitment to Pembroke Hill and women’s issues, this gift allows his family the opportunity to support Pembroke Hill for years to come. “This project is about recognizing the future. We understand that previous supporters helped make our experiences better, and it is our turn to do what we can for future generations.”
Martha Jane Phillips Starr's commitment to Pembroke Hill and women's empowerment leaves a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to uphold her values of service, dedication, and support for the community.
From left to right: Jack Starr '10, Emma Starr '14, Alicia Noonan Starr '82, Elizabeth Starr Gallagher '13, Jim Starr '84, Ethan Starr '17, & Robert Starr '16.