James W. Kilburn, 79, long time Shawnee, KS resident, passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at Providence Medical Center.

James was born January 29, 1939 in Harrison, Arkansas.  He graduated from Shawnee Mission North in 1957.  Shortly after graduating high school, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis as Air Defense Artillery.  James was a Master Electrician and a proud member of IBEW #124 for over 50 years.  In his free time, James enjoyed competing in 3D archery competitions, as well as hunting deer and pheasants.  He was an avid KU basketball fan and watched "EVERY" game.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Juanita Thurman.  He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; five children, Jamie Fields; James D. Kilburn and wife Monette; Micky Kilburn and wife Tania; Cory Kilburn and wife Teresa; Amanda Carr and husband Travis; 14 grandchildren, Stephanie Fields; Sean Fields; Connor Kilburn; Joel Kilburn; Christian Kilburn and wife Amber; Hannah Kilburn; Abby Kilburn; Aiden Kilburn; Austin Kilburn; Shelby Kilburn; Tyler Kilburn; Cash Carr; Tessa Carr; Shayla Carpenter; Three great grandchildren, Dylan Kilburn; Christian Kilburn; Skylar Kilburn; two brothers, Joe Kilburn and wife Judy; Donald R. Thurman and wife Rhonda.

Celebration of Life Services

A celebration of James' life will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2018 at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee.  He will be laid to rest in a private service at Leavenworth National Cemetery.