James Eldon Sneegas
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James Eldon Sneegas died July 12, 2022. Jim was born on October 21, 1955, to Eldon Carl Sneegas and Mary Lou (Elliott) Sneegas in Olathe, Kansas where he grew up with five siblings.
He was a proud Jayhawk, earning a BS in Psychology and MS in Electronic Media from the University of Kansas. Jim also earned a Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Mass Media. He was a professor of Mass Communications at SMS (now MSU) for 12 years before becoming the manager of the Writers Workshop at Hallmark. He was an excellent writer and had many academic articles published about the effects of media on children. Jim held black belts in two different martial arts, loved fishing, gardening, playing guitar, and watching movies.
After suffering two traumatic brain injuries, Jim spent four years at the Vintage Park Assisted Living facility in Osage City, Kansas.
He leaves behind his son, Aaron Sneegas (Beth), granddaughters, Lilian and Vivian Sneegas; sisters Judy Sneegas, Jane Dougherty (Kevin), Amy Sneegas (Hank); brother Roger Sneegas (Peggy); former wives Susan Miranti (Joe), and Dee Roof (Paul). Jim was predeceased by his sister Linda McKenney who died in 2020
There are those who knew Jim when he was vibrant and brilliant, and those who knew him in his later years when he struggled to be the person he once was. Both of these Jim’s will be missed.
Jim, you will be missed very much. You were not only a talented writer and caring boss, but also a good friend. So many of us will remember you fondly and forever. Sending comforting thoughts to your family. Much love, Katherine Stano
Jim was the best boss I ever had at Hallmark. I can say that now that I’m retired and the worst they can do is shoot out my porch light! He more or less rescued me from lesser bosses and carved out a little spot next to his desk where I hid for several years. He was the ONE GUY who seemed to understand how my particular skills might best be used for the company, and set me up to succeed and thrive. My favorite quote was in a staff meeting when he said something like, I’m not supposed to tell you all this, but I figure you’re all adults, so… Dang, what a loss.