James Sherwood Mortinger

James Sherwood Mortinger, 90, owner of JM Plumbing, Liberal, KS. Jim was born in St. Clair, Michigan on February 8, 1928. He died Saturday, June 16, 2018. He served in the US Army during World War II as a surgical tech. During his service he was awarded Championship level as a sharp shooter. He returned to Michigan after the service and in 1965 was transferred to Liberal, KS with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline. After retiring from Panhandle he turned his part-time plumbing job into JM Plumbing, which he operated full-time. He retired at the age of 84. He was especially known for his red and white work truck that was seen from sun up to sun down helping out with all sorts of plumbing needs. Jim served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years where he mentored numerous scouts to achieve the Eagle merit badge. His favorite thing to do after work was to pitch horseshoes. Pitching at the state and national levels became something Jim enjoyed doing and this was a hobby he shared with more than one of his sons. Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Marie Mortinger. Survived by his daughters, Yvonne (Tom) Ford of Galveston, TX, Vicky (Rick) Hiebsch of Andover, KS; sons, Randy (Kathy) Stark of Mulvane, KS, Jimmy (Laurie) Mortinger of Hays, KS, John (Betty) Mortinger of Port Huron, MI, Robin (Susan) Mortinger of Casco, MI, Joe (Karen) Mortinger of Rose Hill, KS; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. There will be a private graveside service. Memorials to: Alzheimers Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.