James "J.T." Theis
1935 - 2018
Obituary
James L. "J.T." Theis, 83,
died Tuesday (Dec. 18, 2018) at Via Christ-St. Francis in Wichita. He
was born April 3, 1935, in Fort Scott and was adopted by Nick and
Marcella (Gresl) Theis. On Sept. 20, 1958, he married Phyllis L. Rau
in Colwich and she survives.
J.T. was a member of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton and retired from the Newton
Fire/EMS in 1985 after 28 years of service. Three weeks ago, J.T.
retired from Dillons, where he worked nearly 25 years during and
following his retirement from the fire department. He also worked the
family wheat and milo farm near Halstead until all but the family
homestead was sold in 2000.
He proudly served his country and was a
U.S. Army veteran.
J.T. enjoyed spending time on the golf
course and watching a good baseball game. He was also an avid KU
basketball fan. He would record many of the games to rewatch and
discuss with his grandsons and son-in-law. While his kids were
growing up, he coached their baseball and basketball teams.
Spending time with his family was a joy
for J.T. and he greatly looked forward to family gatherings. He
worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family and was a
wonderful, caring and giving father and husband. J.T. was a social
butterfly and always had a smile and joke or story to tell.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of
the home; daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Brian Baird of Newton;
daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Frank Graham of Derby;
daughter-in-law, Michelle Theis of Halstead; one son, Kenneth Theis
of Texas; and sister, Jean Struble of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He is
also survived by 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
J.T. is preceded in death by his
parents; and two sons, Patrick and Greg Theis
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday
(Dec. 22, 2018) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton,
with The Reverend Devin Burns celebrant. Recitation of the Holy
Rosary will precede the mass at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Visitation
will be 5 to 9 p.m. Friday (Dec. 21, 2018) at Petersen Funeral Home,
with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A private
graveside committal will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in
Newton.
Memorials are suggested to Newton
Fire/EMS or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in care of Petersen
Funeral Home.
