James M. "Jim" Ross, age 85, passed away on October 6, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Jim was born in Oberlin, KS. His parents were Porter, Jr. and Mabel M. (Wudtke) Ross. Jim was raised in rural McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1956. He then joined the Air Force in 1957. He spent one year in Alaska on the Aleutian Islands as a radar operator. He was honorably discharged in 1960. He then married Bonnie Burton on August 4, 1961. They lived on his parent’s farm for 11 years, raising hogs. They purchased their farm from the Goltl family and raised hogs for 50 years at which time they retired due to Jim’s declining health.
Jim was employed at the sale barn and B&B Service Station. He did landscaping and raised hogs. He was a member of National Rifle Association and Pheasants Forever. Jim enjoyed leather tooling, woodworking, hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with family and friends, motorcycling, riding snowmobiles, and of course camping with his RV.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Porter Ross, Jr.; grandparents, Gus and Teresa Wudtke; his in-laws, Mabel M. (McBrien) Burton and Orville E. Burton.
Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bonnie; son, Mike (Bonnie) of Conifer, CO; and his two daughters, Tonia of Rockport, TX and Billie Jo (Todd) Hueftle of McCook; extended family: Kevin Hayes, Matt (Lauren) Banda, Ben Propp, and Heath Hamilton; five grandchildren: Mikayla, Lisa, Tasha, Silver and Zach; 11 grandchildren: Selah, Arrowlinn, Haven, Briella, Cali, Blake, Sophia, Dylan, Dawn, Cameron and Molly; as well as one great-great-granddaughter, Alani Jade.
Jim chose cremation. There will not be a visitation. Memorial services are scheduled for 2PM on Saturday afternoon, October 21, 2023 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Joe Samson, Jr. officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Offutt AFB Honor Guard. A private family inurnment will take place in the Evangelical Cemetery outside Herndon, Kansas at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the McCook Humane Society in Jim's name. Online condolences may be left at Herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.