James Willis Feil
1955 - 2023
James Willis Feil, 67, of Russell, passed away Friday, March 24, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family by his side.
He was born July 4, 1955, in Stockton, Kansas. He was the son of Willis Leo and Georgia Marie (Mai) Feil. He grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in the Class of '73. He then attended Kansas University for a year before transferring to Fort Hays State University, where he graduated with a degree in Accounting.
James met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Jaci L. Beeman on June 7, 1980. This union was blessed with two children, Ryan and Lindsay. They made their home in Russell.
James was an Insurance Agent and Russell office manager for United Services Agency, later becoming Insurance Planning, Inc. for 25 years, retiring in 2019. When he was younger, he was a roustabout and later a pumper for Fina Oil. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was a handyman, a jack of all trades, and could fix anything. He enjoyed watching KU basketball and spending time with family and friends at the lake or the pool.
James was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jaci, of the home; daughter, Lindsay Homeier (Bobby) of Great Bend; son, Ryan Feil (Erica) of Russell; brothers, Bob Feil (Tracy) of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Alan Feil of Salina; three grandchildren, Bryson Feil, Lawson Feil, and Jayde Feil; niece, Jessica Dumler of Topeka; nephews, Chris Feil of Salina and Kellin Feil of Newton; and many friends.
A Celebration of James’ Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church. A private burial of ashes will follow at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
A Memorial has been established as the Feil Grandchildren Education Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, which oversees these arrangements.
