James R. Jim Unruh

James “Jim” R. Unruh, 71, passed into heaven on Saturday, February 27, 2016, in the presence of his family. Jim was born in Newton, KS on December 2, 1944. He attended Gordon Grade School in Goessel, KS, Berean Academy in Elbing, KS and Hesston High School in Hesston, KS. He earned his BA in Business Administration from Wichita State University and a MA in Economics also from Wichita State University. His career was with Hesston Corporation in Hesston, KS; Pizza Hut Corporation in Wichita, KS; Tricon Corporation in Louisville, KY; and YUM Brands Inc. also in Louisville, KY. Jim was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Wichita, KS; Wichita State Alumni Association; and Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, KY. He was a very involved in his churches and near to his heart was the after school tutoring program in Louisville, KY. Jim leaves his wife, Karen, of the home; sons, Tom (Rhonda) Unruh, of Newton, KS, Ted (Lora) Unruh, of Littleton, CO; sister, Anna Beth (Howard) Birky, of Goessel, KS; 4 grandsons, Nathan Unruh, Dalton Carey, Cooper Swinson, and Nash Swinson; nieces and nephews; an uncle; and many cousins. Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Wilma (Schmidt) Unruh; and brother, John Robert Unruh. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), c/o Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W. 21st St. N, Wichita, KS 67205. Viewing/visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Downing and Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Graveside Service will be at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church Cemetery, Goessel, KS.