Jim Flanders

*********Masks are suggested for all services.

Lifelong Sherman County resident, Jim Flanders, ’86 passed away peacefully on the Kuhrt Ranch, August 31,2021. He was an only child, born to Raleigh B. Flanders and Gertrude (Kuhrt) Flanders on June 17, 1935.

Jim was born into an industrious family that started the legacy of the Kuhrt Ranch in 1892. His mother was a schoolteacher, the only sibling of four in the family to marry, and Jim was the only descendant. He was a treasured son and nephew.

Along with his family, Jim spent much of his childhood working with livestock and showing cattle at the Denver Stock Show, the Kansas City Royal, and numerous state and county fairs.

He later graduated from Edson High School in 1953, where he participated in basketball, football, baseball, track, student council, F.F.A., glee club, and the junior-senior play. His senior year, he was voted “Most Popular” in his class.  Jim enjoyed the Edson community and continued those friendships throughout his life.

He spent his college days in Manhattan, Kansas, and graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 with a degree in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry. He was an honor student, member of Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta and the recipient of the  Capper Scholarship. Jim was part of the judging team, a member of Farmhouse fraternity, and was a cook and houseboy for Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

Shortly after graduation, he returned to the Kuhrt Ranch and met his future wife, Janice Meier, a schoolteacher and coach at Edson high school. They were married on May 23,1959. Jim and Jan accepted Christ shortly after they married. They intentionally lived their life for Jesus at home and by serving others.

To this union, there was one daughter, Fawn, and two sons, Blake and Brent and an adopted son, Mark. In the 47 years of marriage to Jan, they spent much of their time attending their children’s activities which included sports, music, and 4-H projects at the county fair. Jim had a passion for livestock and gardening and was a mentor for many young people. He was encouraged to see the legacy continue on the farm with his grandson, Paul Flanders and granddaughter, Sarah Starns, and six great grandchildren.

Jim’s wife, Jan, had a two-year battle with cancer and passed away on November 20, 2006. Soon after, he remarried, Annette Franklin in December of 2007.  He quickly became an extension of Annette’s Avon business and was known around town as the “Avon Man.” Jim was loved by all her children and families and shared many travels and visits with them.

In January of 2019, Jim came to Kansas City to stay with his daughter, Fawn, for cataract surgery. Shortly after his arrival, he was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment.

During Jim’s extended stay, he liked making new friends, going on daily outings and being pampered in his daughter’s home. His favorite things were to explore new restaurants and coffee shops around the city.

Jim returned to the farm in June and was honored and cared for by his son, Brent. He and his wife, Diana and family sacrificially supported him daily and took special care to ensure his end-of-life desires were fulfilled.

Jim was at peace in his relationship with the Lord and had faith in where he would be spending eternity. Attending church was a highlight of his week. He enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends and looked forward to hearing the weekly sermon by his son, Preacher Brent.

He enjoyed a special bond with Dale Schilling and Bob McKnight and treasured so many friendships throughout his life.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Raleigh and Gertrude (Kuhrt) Flanders, his wife Janice (Meier) Flanders, second wife Annette (Franklin) Flanders, son, Mark Flanders and granddaughter, Hannah Lee Flanders.

He is survived by his daughter and two sons and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fawn Flanders(Charles) Fulk of Olathe, KS, and grandchildren, Cassie (Justin) Jordan of Overland Park, KS, and Connor Fulk of Olathe, KS .Bonus grandchildren and great grandchildren: Chad( Nicki) Fulk Lane and Brooklyn of Olathe, KS, Corey(Marietta)  Fulk Nevaeh, Keegan, and Sylas of Olathe, KS, Chelsea (Jeff) Hatfield, Jaymin, Jettison, Jia, and Jagger of DeSoto, KS, Colby(Angie) Fulk and children Ryder, Hensley, and Waylon of Olathe, KS.

Blake (Risa) Flanders of Topeka, Kansas, and grandchildren Morgan of  Memphis, TN, Chase and Pierce of Manhattan, KS.

Brent (Diana) Flanders and grandchildren Paul (Tess)Flanders and great-grandchildren Dylan, Bray, and Addy of Edson, KS, and Sarah(Andrew) Starns  and great-grandchildren Tyler, Kate, and Tucker of Brewster, KS.

Grandchildren: (Children of Mark Flanders) Christian Flanders of Littleton, CO, Chandler Flanders of Grovetown, GA, Jaded Flanders, Augusta, GA, Major Flanders Augusta, GA and Jancee Flanders, McCormick, SC.

Annette’s Children: Lee Franklin and family of Goodland, KS, Lisa (Ric) Morrow and family of Olathe, KS, Liana (Jeff) Pauli and family of Derby, KS, and LaRee (Shawn) Smith of Valley View, TX.

Grands: Leandra (Ernesto) Amaya.  Kendra (Trever) Shaw, Jessica (Brian) Jasper, Leah (Kody) Barger, Luke (Grace) Pauli, Taylor (Will) O’Keefe, & Talia Morrow.

Great Grands: Kaylee (Richard) Bauman, Annalisa Garcia, Lorena Gill-Shaw, Taryn Shaw, Tyson Ochoa, Ava Amaya, Destiney Shaw, Payton Ochoa, Levi Amaya, Jace Shaw, Treyson Ochoa, Tobias Shaw.