James “J.T.” Theis

James L. “J.T.” Theis 83, died Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Via Christ,  St. Francis in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born April 3, 1935 in Ft. Scott, Kansas and was adopted by Nick and Marcella (Gresl) Theis.  On September 20, 1958 he married Phyllis L. Rau in Colwich, Kansas and she survives.

J.T. was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton and retired from the Newton Fire/EMS in 1985 after 28 years of service. Three weeks ago J.T. retired from Dillons where he worked nearly 25 years during and following his retirement from the fire department. He also worked the family wheat and milo farm near Halstead until all but the family homestead was sold in 2000. 

He proudly served his country and was a U.S. Army Veteran.

J.T. enjoyed spending time on the golf course and watching a good baseball game. He was also an avid K.U. Basketball fan. He would record many of the games to re watch and discuss with his grandsons and son in law. During his kids growing up years he coached baseball and basketball teams

Spending time with his family was a joy for J.T. and he greatly looked forward to family gatherings. He worked hard though out his life to provide for his family and was a wonderful, caring and giving father and husband. J.T. was a social butterfly and always had a smile and joke or story to tell.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home; daughter and son in law Becky and Brian Baird of Newton; daughter Brenda and son in law Frank Graham of Derby; daughter in law Michelle Theis of Halstead and one son Kenneth Theis of Texas; sister Jean Struble of Ponca City, OK.  He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

J.T. is preceded in death by his parents and two sons Pat and Greg Theis

Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton with The Reverend Devin Burns celebrant.  Recitation of the Holy Rosary will precede the Mass at 9:30 a.m., at the church.  Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A private graveside committal will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Newton.

Memorials are suggested to Newton Fire/EMS or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.