James Barton “Jim” Fletcher

Fletcher, James Barton “Jim”, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 21, 2011. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty; son and daughter-in-law, Bart and Christy, of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Austin, Mary Kathryn “MK”; sisters, Alene and Rankie; brother, Wayne “Short”. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Bernice, and brother, Don. Born and raised in Fulton, MO, Jim served our country as a Merchant Marine in WWII and returned to Southwest Missouri State University when his service was completed. While at SMS, Jim was a four-year football letterman and it was there he met Betty. After marriage they moved to Wichita where their entrepreneurial journey began as they opened one of the citys first Dairy Queen locations. Ultimately, Jim would go on to serve hundreds of local residents as an insurance and real estate agent. Those who knew Jim knew him as a man who “never met a stranger.” His outgoing personality and love for life were an inspiration to many. Visitation with the family will be held 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 23, and Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 24, both at Sharon Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Sharon Baptist Church, 2221 South Oliver, Wichita, Kansas, 67218. Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Visitation with the family will be held 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 23, and Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 24, both at Sharon Baptist Church.