Rev. James Harold “Jim” Mayes Jr., 76, of Wamego, Kansas, was called home to the Lord Monday (September 9, 2024) at his home in Wamego.
Born May 17, 1948 in Pittsburg, Kansas, Jim was the son of James Harold and Nola (Mundt) Mayes Sr. He married Becky Jo Crane on April 14, 1973 in Pagedale (St.Louis), Missouri. She survives.
Jim was a graduate of Shawnee Mission North High School, Mission, KS, and St. John Lutheran College in Winfield, KS. He earned his Bachelors Degree from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, IN, and his Masters of Divinity Degree at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Pastor Jim was called to serve St. John Lutheran Church in Rushmore, MN, Abiding Faith Lutheran Church in Peculiar, MO and Grace Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS. In 1998, Pastor Jim was called to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego where he served until his retirement in 2014.
Jim’s faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ and his love for the Lord was reflected in his preaching, teaching and relationships with family, friends and parishioners. Jim was an avid K. U. Basketball fan . He arranged his schedule each year to watch as many March Madness games as possible.. He enjoyed listening to music (classical and the 60’s era), reading (historical and romance novels), playing cards, growing Bonsai Trees and backyard bird watching. He was a World War II historian. He loved and was loved by his two dogs. Their companionship brought warmth and comfort especially during the last difficult year.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Becky; two sons, Aaron James Mayes (Ashley) of Wichita, KS and David Jeremy Mayes of Kenmore, WA; five grandchildren, Abbie Hall, Ayden Mayes, Emalie Hall, Deliza Mayes and Bowen Mayes; a brother, Rev. Theodore Mayes (Joeline) of Fort Wayne, IN; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Sharon Bagg. Cremation arrangements are in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego.
The funeral service for Jim Mayes will be held on Friday morning (September 20, 2024) at 11:00 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Wamego with Rev. Jim Price officiating, Rev. Robert Grimm assisting. Inurnment will be private.
The family will meet with friends Friday morning (September 20, 2024) from 10:00 until the time of services at 11:00 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Lutheran’s for Life and Wamego Community Health Ministries. Memorials may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.