James Eugene Elm, 80, passed away at home in Lawrence, KS. on May 6, 2026. He was the son of Harold V. and Wilma I. (Stahel) Elm. He was born on June 19, 1945, in Lawrence, KS. He married Delores M. (Guenther) Elm on April 10, 1965. She survives. Also, surviving children include Lisa M. Gay (Brian), Shannon R. Bruhns (Gary), Brian M. Elm (Jenn) all from Lawrence, along with his grandchildren, Zachary Gay (Alexia), Madison Frey (Talin), Parker Gay, Talia Gay, Delaney Bruhns, Brooklyn Elm, and Eastyn Elm, and one great grandson, Declan Gay.
Jim grew up on a farm in Worden, KS. He attended Central grade school, Baldwin High and Kansas University. He was a member of the Army National Guard and served in the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart. He worked shiftwork for the Dupont and Flexel Cellophane plants in Tecumseh, KS. for more than 31 years.
Even though he lived in Lawrence, his love for the country was always there. After retiring he would spend much of his time caring for things at the family farm or just sitting in his Adirondack chair, eating peanuts and breathing in the fresh country air.
He also very much enjoyed watching his grandchildren as they have grown. Whether it be in sports, vacations, programs, crafts, weddings, it didn’t matter, he was always a proud Grandfather and Dad.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, from 6 to 7:30 pm. at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. There will be a graveside service at the Worden, KS cemetery on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:30 am.
