James M. “Jim” Greathouse
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James M. ‘Jim’ Greathouse passed away on November 9, 2021.
Jim was born on January 20, 1938 in Garden City, Kansas to F.M. Greathouse and Lillie Cooley Greathouse. He grew up in Finney County and graduated from high school in Garden City. After high school, Jim served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning home, he continued his education at the Emporia State Teachers College and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education.
He married Marilyn Rogge and they settled in Colby, Kansas where he taught high school and raised his children. Having taught high school in Colby for 30 years, Jim knew nearly everyone in town either as students or parents. It seemed every trip to a store resulted in a friendly conversation. Jim also loved the land and farming. He spent nearly every summer farming with his brother in Finney County on the family farm.
After retiring, he and Marilyn moved to Lawrence, KS. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his parents F.M. and Lillie, his brother Larry. He is survived by his children, Paula (Lawrence KS) and James (League City, TX), his grandsons, Connor and Nicholas, his sister-in-law, Frances Simmons, and nieces and nephews, Martin Greathouse, Greg Greathouse, Sherry Brungardt, Craig Rogge and Michele Hock.
Jim requested no formal memorial service but if a gesture of remembrance is desired, please donate in his name to the Nature Conservancy for the Kansas prairie or Fort Hays State University and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I’ve been a friend of Jim’s son for 20+ years. I only met Jim Sr. a couple of times but I enjoyed my time with him a lot. It was immediately obvious to me where the traits I admire and appreciate in Jim’s son, such as kindness for others, attention to detail and a good work ethic, came from – his father. My condolences to everyone and I’ll be keeping all of you in my prayers.
Jim and Paula
We are so sorry for your loss. We both have fond memories of your dad teaching Government. I think of him every time I see a paisley tie.
I had the pleasure of meeting his wife, Marilyn, at a polling site in Lawrence. In our conversation she revealed that she was indeed married to Mr. Greathouse, my Government teacher at Colby High School. I remember telling her that he had an ungodly amount of patience having to teach a required course for graduation to a bunch of Seniors, who for the most part, couldn’t appreciate the knowledge he was trying to teach us. She asked if he ever yelled at us. I replied, “Only once.”
My condolences to his family. He was a great teacher who will be missed.
Sorry to hear this.? I have such great memories of Mr. Greathouse as a teacher and as a person!! He had a great love of government and shared that with his students!! He will be missed
Jim and Paula: your dad was a great teacher. He was mine we lived on east 5 th and your folks house was done in the gulley. Your dad was always so kind. Prayers of comfort
Loved having Mr. Greathouse as a teacher at CHS.
I remember taking an elective class from Mr. Greathouse called Current American Problems as a junior at CCHS. I had never worked so hard or learned so much as I did from him and it was my favorite class in my HS experience! He was a great educator; demanding, firm and fair. What fond memories I have of him and his family.
Mr. Greathouse was a wonderful and kind man, condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear, I still think of widgets when I think of him. Great teacher, and just a nice man.
Mr Greathouse was an excellent government teacher in high-school. I extend my condolences to his family.
I like many had Mr. Greathouse at CHS for government. He was an excellent teacher, but for me there was a bit more. I had a Mustang and he had his T-Bird. I had endless conversations with him in and out of class. He was a great person. I think of him often.
One of my most memorable
Classes in high school was Current American Problems. I felt turned loose to research with creativity and to debate both sides of world problems that affected America! Mr. Greathouse influenced me to be a teacher. My condolences.
Paula and Jim, I am Dixie and Hap’s daughter. My grandma Dorothy was married to Scotty. I only knew your Dad as Uncle Jim. I was lucky to run into your Mom and Dad several times later in life at conferences and sporting events as I had become a teacher. I loved visiting with them. I am so sorry for your lose. They were always so kind to me.
My dad’s sister Dorthy was married to Jim’s dad Scotty (FM). I moved to the Garden City and worked and lived on their farm in the summers. Jim, Marylin and the children often visited the farm and they were always a part of summer work and celebrations. It was always grand to be part of the extended family. Since I had no older brother I felt that Jim, his brother Larry and several other older cousins were a good influence to me when I was a teenager.
So sorry for you loss Jim was a special guy. Lee so enjoyed visiting with him. My thoughts and prayer to you all. Jan Greathouse
Condolences to the family. Mr Greathouse was one of my favorite and most respected teachers at CCHS. Took his government class and also Current American Problems.
My heart goes out to Jim’s family. He was such a kind and interesting man. I always looked forward to our visits. He will be missed!
My sympathy to Mr G. Family…to this day I appreciate how he instilled a lifelong interest in how the world runs..one of the best teachers I ever had.