James R. Roth
November 4, 1941 ~ May 19, 2010
Roth, James R., 68, died May 19, 2010, at his home in Wichita. He was born November 4, 1941 in Great Bend, Kans. to June and Walter Roth and was raised in Ellinwood, Kans. Jim was a 1963 graduate of Emporia State University, where he majored in business and was a member of the golf and debate teams. He was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Jim went on to graduate from Washburn University School of Law in 1966. Jim practiced law in Topeka from 1966-1969 and served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1966-1972. In 1969, Jim moved to Wichita, where he remained in private practice for more than 40 years. In 1992, Gov. Joan Finney appointed Jim to the Washburn University Board of Regents. He continued to serve on the Board of Regents for 18 years at the request of two subsequent governors. Jim was Chairman of the Board of Regents for four years. Jim was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Washburn Law School (2005) and from the Washburn University Alumni Association (2010). Survivors include wife, Sally; daughter Amy (Chris) Tillery of Prairie Village, Kans.; son Drew Roth of Wichita; grandson Jack Tillery; three brothers, Tom (Frank Cox) Roth of Denver, Colo., Randy (Susie) Roth of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Kent (JoAnn) Roth of Ellinwood. Jim is preceded in death by his parents June and Walter Roth. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Downing Lahey Mortuary at 6555 East Central, Wichita. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Andover, Kans. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Washburn University c/o Washburn Endowment Association, 1729 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, Kans. 66604.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Downing Lahey Mortuary at 6555 East Central, Wichita.
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Sally and family: Jim was a good and decent man; he was always kind and helpful to me and the many others he met along the way. Jim chose a life that mattered and made a difference. A life that matters By Michael Josephson Live a life that matters Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter are not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance, but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.
Sally, I happened to be going through some old papers and came accross your husband’s obituary. I am deeply sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers. Sincerely, Donelda Edwards
It was a blessing to have met Mr. Roth, and have him in our lives. We will truly miss him stopping in our store to visit with us. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family.
Sally and Family: Jim was a proud Washburn alumnus and for that we are grateful. He was always supportive of our initiatives, came to our events and offered to lend a hand. Washburn is a better place because of him. He will be missed.
Dear Sally and family – we were very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our prayers are with your family. What a great father and husband he was – he certainly will be missed. God Bless – Mark and Starla Wells and family
Sally When I called the other day I was not too expressive and knew you were busy. However I have several things I would like to say to you and the kids. Jim was my best friend in college and it was an important time in my life. He was the grown of the group even then but was sincere, fun, and a true friend. Even though I didn’t keep in touch very well, he was always important and we looked forward to the Christmas message each year. I know that he loved his family very much and had a marvelous life. It takes two loving parents to make a great family and a great life. He lived live fully and was always proud of his family. I knew Jim’s mom and dad and they were great people. The tradition carried on. Nancy and I will not be at the funeral but want to project the image of our loving arms around you and the kids. I know that God has his arms around you and that you will make it through this tough time. Your memories will continue, as will mine. If there is something that I am capable of doing, let me know.
Sally, Amy & Drew: Our thoughts and praers are with each of you at this tough time. What a great man! Be very proud of all Jim accomplished and what a great husband and father he was to each of you. I relish his smile and humor and the respect he had for everyone. A true friend and gentleman that will be dearly missed by all of us!
I worked for Jim for several years and he was by far the best boss anyone could ever have. He was understanding, caring and always wore that winning smile. To this very day, working for Jim was the most memorable job I had. We remained friends through the years. He will be missed by many as he was loved by all.
Dearest Sally, I was so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. I hope and pray it was peaceful. You no doubt have many wonderful memories of him to sustain you. Hold on to those memories for they are a permanent part of you and will always be there for you to enjoy. Jim was such a pleasure to know. He was an afiable, kind, genuine man. He will be missed. However, his spirit will live on in you and those who knew him. Know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondly, jinx
When I heard of Jim’s passing I did not have to ask…..now who was he??? I remember Jim fondly from those fun days at Ellinwood High School and had great respect for him. He was in the class behind me but we were in debate together and Jim was one of the best and funniest and kind people I ever shared a classroom with. He was a fine person from a very fine and loving family and will be missed.
I have many memories of good times growing up with the Roth family. Jim and I attended Ellinwood High and he was my debate partner. We attended Emporia State together. Jim was an usher at our wedding. That was years ago and we have seen him only a few times since. I enjoy reading the tributes and thinking that Jim through his life remained the same great guy I knew in school. I only regret that I didn’t see him more often and know him better later in life. To Sally and the family and Jim’s brothers please accept out sympathy for your loss.
Dear Sally and family, Gary, my brother, told me about Jim today. I am so very sorry about your loss. Gary has so appreciated your friendship through the years and always took pride that he introduced you, his secretary, to Jim, the young successful attorney. I trust you had a wonderful life together. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and comfort.
Dear Sally and family, Gary, my brother, told me about Jim today. I am so very sorry about your loss. Gary has so appreciated your friendship through the years. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace and comfort.
I had the honor of being Jims friend since before he first moved to Wichita in 1969. I helped him move into his first office. Our friendship survived countless lunchs and dinners,social gatherings and occasional drink-a-thons. We were in business together and remained friends. We shared vacations together,boat trips,mountain holidays,gambling junkets and frequent and annual trips to Las Vegas. We gained new friends together and along the way, lost a few. We laughed and cried at our lifes ventures. Through all of this, Jim and I remained friends—In his last days, I promised him stories will allways be told of his life and adventures– with the funny ones first. You will be missed, my friend but not forgotten. Love Bob
Dear Sally and family, Dick and I share your sorrow of losing Jim. May the Lord uplift you all in this time and may His comfort and peace bring you strength for whatever you have need. May the love of your family and friends become your shelter and may the beauty of precious memories of your life with Jim be your comfort.
Sorry for your loss. Fine person, fine lawyer.
Sally, Jim was a great guy. I have many fond memories of Jim being with our IBM circle of friends. I know you had many wonderful years together. Jim will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family.
Jim was the best oldest brother a little brother could ever have, I remember him going to Emporia college in his big red convertible. His golfing buddies and friends who enjoyed staying up late playing cards. Always a positive attitude. Jim enjoyed people. Oh what a lucky man he was.
Jim has been one of the very most liked and respected members of the Bar in this part of Kansas for many years and was one of the very few people about whom no one ever had an unfavorable comment. His passing is a great sadness to everyone who knew him. My deepest sympathies for his family.
Jim was one in a million. He made life fun, and all of us feel special. His love and friendship was always unconditional. He was always there for us. Smiling and positive. I was lucky to be his brother.
My thoughts are with your family, Randy, and Susie. I didn’t know Jim well, but know that Randy held him in high esteem. You are all in my prayers.
Sally I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You and Jim have seemed part of the family because of your close relationship with Jerry and Fran. You have my deepest sympathy. Pam
Sorry for your loss. Fine person, fine lawyer.