Delos "Jim" McMindes

Delos James “Jim” McMindes was born on March 17, 1933, in Canisteo, New York, to Ephraim and Estella McMindes. He passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim lived a long and remarkable life—one marked by service, curiosity, laughter, and love. He proudly served his country as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, retiring at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1974 after a distinguished career built on dedication and integrity. Following his naval service, Jim pursued his lifelong fascination with the earth and its wonders, earning a bachelor’s degree in geology from West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. He used his geological expertise to locate prime drilling sites for oil wells across Oklahoma and Texas before returning once again to government service at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California, where he worked as a naval engineer on nuclear submarines. His steady leadership and quiet precision earned deep respect from all who worked beside him.

Jim was a man of faith who lived each day with kindness, humility, and gratitude. Together for 54 years with his beloved wife, Carolyn, he built a home filled with love, music, laughter, and devotion—to family, church, and community. After Carolyn’s passing in 2006, Jim was blessed to find love again with Eleanor Tangeman McMindes, whom he met at an AARP meeting in Hays, Kansas. They married on July 5, 2008, and in 2017, were honored with the AARP Ann Garvin Award for Excellence in Community Service, recognizing the heart for others that defined their lives together.

A talented artist and skilled leather craftsman, Jim poured care and creativity into every piece he made. He had an incredible ability to fix anything—whether it was a machine, a painting, or someone’s spirit. His contagious laugh, gentle humor, and generous heart made every room he entered a little brighter.

Jim found beauty in life’s simplest pleasures—humming his favorite tunes, watching the birds outside his window, tinkering with a small project, or simply sharing quiet time with family. He had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats, who always seemed to sense his gentle spirit and find their way to him.

Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with those he loved.

He is survived by his children and their spouses: Debbie and Dan Tice, Steve and Jimma McMindes, David and Liz McMindes, and Barbara and Barry Lillemon; 11 cherished grandchildren: Christy and Shawn Almquist, Jim and Kerry Tice, Carol Tice, Matt and Noelle Tice, Leah and Craig Hode, Sarah and Jeremy Beck, Conner McMindes, Jon and Heather McMindes, Jake and Casey McMindes, Brandon and Sydney Lillemon, and Devin Lillemon; 19 great-grandchildren: Sarah and Bradley Lewis, Arynn and Isaac Rickman, Ian and Kaley Everheart, Lola Tice, Kortnee Tice, Grayson Tice, Hudson Tice, Willow Tice, Kaliah and Jose Moreno, Jayden Dukes, Alexis Dukes, Rhiana Dukes, Landon Tice, Levi Tice, Kaylee Hode, Carson Hode, Grace Hode, Caleb Beck, and Carter Beck; and one great-great-grandchild, Karter Lewis, all of whom adored him deeply, and his beloved stepchildren, David and Vickie Tangeman and Janis and Corbett Lawrence. Each of them carries forward his warmth, humor, and unshakable faith.

Jim will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and unwavering love of life. His legacy lives on in every person he touched—and in the laughter, craftsmanship, and gentle spirit he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stockham Family Funeral Home in McPherson, Kansas on Monday, December 29th at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jon Black officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be given to Countryside Covenant Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.