James M. Melvin, Sr.

James ‘Jim' Melvin, Sr., passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospice House in the company of ‘his girl' of 50 years and wife for 46 years, Theresa. Born September 12, 1949 to William and Margaret Melvin in Sabetha, KS, Jim was the second of five brothers and a sister before meeting his life-long better half at the age of 15. While attending, and graduating from, Kansas State University's College of Engineering, Jim and Theresa wed and started their life together. Jim was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, SAME, ASCE, and other nationally recognized organizations as well as the Army Corp of Engineers. He excelled in his chosen profession, eventually retiring as the head of Waste Water management for the city of Gardner, KS, and even while retired worked as the interim Director of Public Works for the city of Raytown, MO. After all his professional accomplishments, Jim still became a devout husband, a loving father, a close friend, and an incredible grandfather. The love and care he showed for his family was purely awesome and inspiring.

He is survived by his wife Theresa; brothers Bill, Pat, and John; sister Margie; son James, Jr.; daughters Janet (Carlos) Morales, Julie (Bradley) Duryee, and Joanna (Bryan) Tabtab; granddaughter Morrigan; grandsons Logan, Tyler, Vega, and Hunter; and several extended family members in Wisconsin.

As we mourn the loss of Jim, let's celebrate and remember that which made us love him while he was here. Let us celebrate a life lived the best way he knew how. Let's always remember the husband that was there for you every time he was needed and every time he wasn't wanted. Let us reminisce about the father willing to help solve a problem even if you were "grown" with kids of your own. Let's bask in the grandfather that pushed his grandkids in a swing for hours as long as they repaid him in laughter and adoration. He was the brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend that made your day, and life, just that much better because he was a part of it. Remember the grandeur of it all, and never forget, as it is within these memories that he lives on and walks with you until the end of time.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Monday at Christ the King Catholic Church, KCK. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 - 8 p.m., Sunday at the church where the Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Vincent DePaul at Christ the King, 3024 N. 54th St., KC, KS 66104.