James Ira Boeken, Sr.

James Ira Boeken, Sr., age 76, of Iola, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at the Anderson County Hospital in Garnett, Kansas. Jim was born to John Ira Vest and Ester Bell (Bigelow) Boeken on January 14, 1942 in Moran, Kansas. He grew up in the Piqua and Neosho Falls area as a boy, attending the Bellevue country school. He married Corrine McCullough on June 23, 1961 in Iola, Kansas. This union was blessed with three sons and one daughter. Jim worked as a farm hand when they first married, then as a molder at the Walton Foundry for several years. His last employment was at the Iola and Chanute McDonalds as the head of maintenance, where he worked for over 15 years until his health no longer allowed. Jim was a member of the Harvest Baptist Church, Iola. He was an avid pony puller, until his health failed. Jim could often be found mowing and tinkering around their house. He also served as a greeter at Lincoln Elementary for a few years. Jim was a lifelong fan of professional wrestling. He was fond of all children, but his grandkids were the best in his eyes. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren; son-in-law Ronald Kukacka; and eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife Corrine of the home; three sons, James Boeken, Jr. and Kellie Jones of Iola, Kansas, Terry Boeken Sr. and wife, Arlene of Altamont, Kansas, John Boeken, Sr. and Jamie Taylor of Iola, Kansas; daughter Julie Kukacka of Iola, Kansas; 15 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Vest and wife, Diana of Pratt, Kansas; two sisters, Della McGie and husband, Wallace of Topeka, Kansas, and Lucille Nelson of Chanute, Kansas. A Memorial Service honoring Jim's life will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, August 23, 2018, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola. The family will greet friends following the service at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Harvest Baptist Church and may be left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .