Jim’s life began on July 28, 1950 in Newton. He is the son of Harry and Gladys (Koch) Meetz. Jim earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture from his beloved Kansas State University. He worked in the cattle industry and spent many years embracing the challenges of that industry. He retired as the feed lot manager at Lane County Feeders. Jim was the past president of the Kansas Livestock Association, served on the Board of Directors of the National Cattlemen’s Association, and several other agricultural associations. He was an avid K-State alumni and a brother of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Jim enjoyed golf, running, coaching his girls’ softball teams, and cheering on the Cats. More recently, he enjoyed singing with the First Baptist Church Choir in El Dorado. Jim was united in marriage to the former Barbara Smith on September 24, 2011 in Wichita. His loving family includes his wife Barbara of El Dorado, children Lindsay (Andy) Beckman of Olathe, Megan (Gage) Zierlein of Marysville, and Jenny (Shawn) Cross of Overland Park; grandchildren Alexis, Logan, Gavyn, Olivia, Lucy, Kanon, Riggs, Addison, Braiden, Ethan and Samuel; siblings John (Margaret) Meetz of Wichita, and Betty Youk of Durham. Jim passed away at his home on June 26, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother in law Gaylen Youk. His family will gather with friends on Saturday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, El Dorado where his funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. led by Pastor Wade Graber. He will be laid to rest in Walton Cemetery. Kirby-Morris Funeral Home is serving the family. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be directed to the Kansas Cattlemen’s Association Foundation or to the Harvey County 4-H.

Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Jim at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com.