James William Kaba

James William Kaba, Plainville, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville at the age of 85.

He was born to James and Marie (Boller) Kaba on April 14, 1936 in Plainville. James was a lifetime resident of Plainville. He attended Plainville Grade School and graduated from Plainville High School. He entered the United States Army following his graduation and returned home when he was honorably discharged. James was united in marriage to Janice (Jacobs) Kaba on October 1, 1960 in Antonino, KS. The couple was blessed with three children: Vicki, Kim, and John.

He worked in the oil field as a pumper until his early retirement at the age of 55. He picked up a part-time job at his favorite morning coffee place, Crawford Supply, and worked there for about 10 years.

He was a simple man that enjoyed his routine. James was conservative and frugal when it came to himself, but generous to others. Every now and then he would play a nickel or penny slot at a casino, but his favorite thing to do was fish and spend time around the ones he loved. He was always so eager to pull out his slide projector and proudly show his military photos, family photos, and tell stories or re-live memories.

James enjoyed passing time at home watching the Royals play or checking the stock markets. He took every day as it came, appreciated everyone in his life, and was thankful for every moment he had—and it was evident to those who knew him. He was a faithful servant to the Lord, attended masses regularly, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

James will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in our hearts and minds. Through his life he taught us how to live our dreams, through his example he taught us how to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but above all, through his love he taught us how to serve God and one another with undying devotion.

He is survived by his children, Vicki (Ken) Becker of Plainville, Kim (Bill) Glazner of McPherson, and John (Kelly) Kaba of Hays; brothers, Mike (Lisa) Kaba of Boulder City, Nev., and Mark (Jeanie) Kaba of Wichita; sister-in-law, Nell Kaba of Wichita; brother-in-law and dear friend, Phil Barber of Plainville; eight grandchildren, Kurtis (Tara) of Piedmont, Okla., Jessica (Matt) Korte of Evergreen, Colo., Rhiannon (Nick) Weber of Claflin, Kennis (Kacy) Becker of Plainville, Krista (Catlin) Zahorsky of Manhattan, Kassidy (Tripp) Roy of Overland Park, Courtney Kaba of Golden, Colo., and Conner Glazner of McPherson; and nine great-grandchildren with one on the way.

James joins in heaven his parents, James and Marie Kaba; wife, Janice Kaba; and siblings, Larry “Butch” Kaba, Dennis Kaba, and Maryann Barber.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville.

Memorials are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Grade School and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St., Plainville, KS 67663.