James O. Broce

James O. Broce, age 78, of Greeley, Kansas passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Wellsville Retirement Village, Wellsville, Kansas. Jim was born February 15, 1936 at Wellington, Kansas. He was the second of three children born to Orvel Everett and Ruth (Underwood) Broce. He grew up in Geuda Springs, Kansas, attending school there and graduating from high school in 1954. Jim entered the US Navy in January of 1955. He was a Korean War veteran, serving on the destroyer, the U.S.S. Bryce Canyon. He was honorably discharged in January of 1959. Jim was united in marriage to Marion King on February 26, 1957 at Wellington, Kansas. Four children were born to this union. He returned to Geuda Springs from the service and then attended Oklahoma State University, earning a degree in forestry. Following college he moved to Northern California where he worked for the U.S. Forestry Department as a forest ranger and firefighter. In 1965 the family moved to Marion's home town, Lawrence, Kansas, where Jim started a real estate business, Circle Realty. They later moved to Garnett, Kansas where Jim began working for Vigortone Ag Products. Jim and Marion moved to Greeley, Kansas in 1977 where he made his home until the time of his death. After 27 years, Jim retired from Vigortone in 1997. While his children were growing up Jim shared his love of the outdoors with them as he took them camping. Jim enjoyed working on vehicles especially his Model T and old trucks. He loved the outdoors and could often be found fishing in local ponds or the river. When he was not busy he could be found drinking coffee and socializing at the Greeley Café. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Marion, on October 2, 1991. He is survived by his children Orvel Broce and wife, Donna, of Greeley, Mona Blevins and husband, Jim, of Greeley, Everett Broce and wife, Peggy, of Mooreland, Oklahoma and Travis Broce and wife, Tracy, of Girard, Kansas; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Margaret Weber of Wellington, Kansas, and Rella Stover of Geuda Springs, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. John's Cemetery, Greeley, Kansas. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home or following the burial at St. John's hall in Greeley. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .