James M. “Jim” Greathouse

James M. ‘Jim’ Greathouse passed away on November 9, 2021.

Jim was born on January 20, 1938 in Garden City, Kansas to F.M. Greathouse and Lillie Cooley Greathouse. He grew up in Finney County and graduated from high school in Garden City. After high school, Jim served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning home, he continued his education at the Emporia State Teachers College and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education.

He married Marilyn Rogge and they settled in Colby, Kansas where he taught high school and raised his children. Having taught high school in Colby for 30 years, Jim knew nearly everyone in town either as students or parents. It seemed every trip to a store resulted in a friendly conversation. Jim also loved the land and farming. He spent nearly every summer farming with his brother in Finney County on the family farm.

After retiring, he and Marilyn moved to Lawrence, KS. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents F.M. and Lillie, his brother Larry. He is survived by his children, Paula (Lawrence KS) and James (League City, TX), his grandsons, Connor and Nicholas, his sister-in-law, Frances Simmons, and nieces and nephews, Martin Greathouse, Greg Greathouse, Sherry Brungardt, Craig Rogge and Michele Hock.

Jim requested no formal memorial service but if a gesture of remembrance is desired, please donate in his name to the Nature Conservancy for the Kansas prairie or Fort Hays State University and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.