Max Owen James, 93, of Mentor passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Bethany Home in Lindsborg. Max was born March 30, 1925 in Greentop, MO to the late Ira and Irene (Ford) James. Max served in Okinawa with the Army Air Corps during World War II, then moved to Kansas in 1947. He married Lois Oetting at Assaria Lutheran Church on March 30, 1952. He worked at the Mentor Johnson’s Elevators and several local farmers for many years. Max graduated with an Education BS from Marymount college in 1974. In semi-retirement, he farmed the Oetting family farm.
Max was an avid bluegrass mandolinist from childhood, playing with family members and various neighborhood groups throughout his life, enjoying his duets with his mother. He served many years as Assaria Lutheran Church in education and board membership.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughter: Peggy Laurine Forsberg (Gene) of Valley Falls,KS, and sons: David Owen James (Kristine) of Olathe, KS, and Paul William James (Patricia) of Burleson, TX; as well as 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and cousin Wanita Hartzell.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Virginia Shahan, and grandsons Luke Forsberg and Justin Fujibayashi.
Visitation with family will be on Wednesday, March 20 from 5-7pm at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, Lindsborg.
The funeral will be held 11:00 am on Thursday, March 21 at Assaria Lutheran Church, with Pastor Laura Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Assaria Lutheran Cemetery.
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Memorials may be made to the Assaria Lutheran Church. Memorials may be sent in care of Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg, KS 67456.