James A. Foltz

James Allen Foltz, age 69, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family, concluding his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on February 4, 1948, in the Carter Building in Garnett, Kansas, the son of John and Veronica (Wittman) Foltz. He was raised on the family farm two miles East of Garnett. Jim attended Holy Angels Catholic School for eight years, and graduated from Garnett High School in 1966. In August of 1966 Jim began work for BEHM in Osawatomie. In March of 1967 Jim entered Basic Training for the Army National Guard. In July of 1967, he then went to work for BEHM in Greeley. He joined Pipefitters Local 763 in June of 1968. BEHM later became Taylor Forge, and Local 763 became Local 441. He served as a Union Steward for over 30 years. Jim retired from Taylor Forge in May of 2010. Jim met Lois Rockers in the fall of 1963, and they were united in marriage on May 11, 1968. This union was blessed with four children. They moved to the farm in April of 1971, where they raised Limousin Cattle until 1997. After retiring from raising cattle, Jim and Lois enjoyed traveling with Tom and Lynette Mersman. He was very proud of the fact that he had been to 49 of the 50 States, as well as Italy, Mexico, and Canada. Jim always kept busy, working on his farm as well as helping his family and friends. He also enjoyed deer hunting but his greatest joy was his children and grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant siblings. He is survived by his wife, Lois Foltz, of the home; his children, Michelle Ratliff and husband David of Westphalia, Kansas, Leah Parks and husband Scott of Westphalia, Kansas, Jason Foltz and wife Trisha of Garnett, Kansas, and Justin Foltz and wife Lisa of Eudora, Kansas; thirteen grandchildren, Morgan May and husband, Colton, Cheyanne, Madison, Chase, and Maycee Ratliff, Cameron and Conner Parks, Cali, Caitlyn, and Coleson Foltz, Riley, Tyler, and Rayah Foltz; siblings, Johnnie Foltz of Overland Park, Kansas; Mary Ann Hermreck and husband Dave of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Catherine Crotts and husband Larry of Burlington, Kansas; Mitzi Wiesner and husband John of Garnett, Kansas; Butch Foltz and wife Marilyn of Garnett, Kansas; and Ray Foltz and wife Nancy of Paola, Kansas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett, Kansas. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Monday evening at Holy Angels Church, followed by visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Angels Church or to the Lustgarten Foundation (for pancreatic cancer research) and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .