James Edgar Echols was, and will always be, the center of our hearts. Born on May 30, 1971, in Apple Valley, California, James brought light, laughter, and love into this world from the very beginning. On December 2, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas, our lives were forever changed when James was taken from us in a tragic automobile accident. Though our hearts are broken, we are profoundly grateful for the time we were blessed to share with him.
To us, James was so much more than words can capture. He was a devoted and loving husband, a cherished son, a protective and caring brother, and a loyal friend. James had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and safe. Whether through his work as a Walmart Store Manager or in the quiet moments shared with family and friends, he led with kindness, patience, and integrity.
James was proud of his roots and his education. A graduate of Manhattan High School, Class of 1989, he later attended Haskell Indian Nations University, where he continued to grow intellectually and creatively. Art was close to his heart. Painting and pottery gave him peace, and through his creativity he shared beauty, thoughtfulness, and pieces of his soul with those he loved.
On February 14, 1994, James married the love of his life, NaKeenya Hicks. Their love was deep, steady, and full of joy. They were true partners, laughing together, supporting one another, and facing life hand in hand. Their home was a place of warmth and welcome, where love was felt the moment you walked through the door. Being James’s wife was NaKeenya’s greatest blessing, just as loving her was James’s greatest joy.
As parents, Gloria and David Echols were endlessly proud of the man James became. He was a son who never stopped caring, who showed respect, gratitude, and love in both words and actions. His calls, his laughter, and his presence meant everything, and his absence is felt in ways words cannot express.
James is survived by his beloved wife, NaKeenya; his parents, Gloria and David Echols; his brother, Jonathan Echols; and his precious niece, Nizhoni Echols, who brought him so much happiness. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers-in-law, Wayne E. Brandon Jr., Michael Hicks, and Eric Rayton, and his sister-in-law, Darianne Hicks, all of whom were family not just by name, but by heart. He is also survived by his loving parents-in-law James and Carolyn Hicks.
James leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and quiet strength. He taught us the importance of compassion, of showing up for one another, and of loving deeply and without hesitation. Though we must now walk forward without him, we carry James with us—in our memories, in our hearts, and in every act of kindness inspired by the life he lived.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our James.