Jim Esely

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

James Daily Esely, Sr. (Jim), age 79, of Wichita, KS, and Joplin, MO, passed away at home with his loving wife, Grace, by his side after a six-month battle with cancer. Jim was born in St. Joseph, MO, on October 20, 1944, to his late parents, John Esely and Alberta Gauntt.

Jim attended Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, graduating in 1962. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 1962 to 1965. Jim received a rifle sharpshooter badge and a good conduct medal during his service. Jim was also a cross-country chaser during his time at Quantico, VA.

Jim returned home to St. Joseph in June 1965 and began working for Sutherland Lumber Company in August of that year. Jim worked for Sutherlands for 48 years and held many positions with the company, retiring as a District Manager in 2013. Jim met his wife, Grace, in September 1967, and they married in December of that same year. During his time with Sutherlands, Jim and his family were relocated several times. In 1971, Sutherlands moved the family to Denver, Colorado, where they became die-hard Denver Broncos fans, and he found a love for scotch and cold beer. Jim and his family returned to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1974. He and Grace moved to Wichita, KS, in 1993 and became loyal KU Jayhawk fans.

After retirement, Jim and Grace enjoyed estate sales and antiquing, where he began a new hobby of collecting M&M memorabilia and gumball machines. Jim was always busy and took great pride in his homes, yard work, and decorating for the holidays. Jim could fix anything and was a true do-it-yourselfer. But his favorite pastime was spending time with his granddaughter, Ava. He enjoyed their time together and being her personal chauffeur, taking her where she needed to be and shopping with her at all the local thrift stores.

Jim was preceded in death by one daughter, Shelly Long, his parents, and his sister, Marsha Cooper. Jim is survived by his wife, Grace, of 56 years; his sons Norman Stewart and James D. Esely, Jr. (Jamie); granddaughter, Ava; four brothers, Francis, John, Frank, and Charlie; and sister Missy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dan and Eva Mosher for their love and support over the years. Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim has requested to be cremated and interned at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date.