James Louis Hambleton

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Jim lived a full and energetic life marked by hard work, friendship, and devotion to his family.

James Louis Hambleton, known to many as Jim, passed away on October 22, 2026, in Derby, Kansas, at the age of 72. He was born on July 23, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas.

Jim lived a full and energetic life marked by hard work, friendship, and devotion to his family. He attended West High School in Wichita, where he participated in wrestling and football. Later, while living in Phoenix, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business, an accomplishment that reflected both his determination and his willingness to keep building toward the future.

Much of Jim’s working life was spent in construction and building materials. He built houses and worked in construction in Aspen and elsewhere in Colorado in the early 80's, contributing his skill and labor to the places and communities around him. He later moved to Camarillo, CA in the 80's. Jim made another move to Phoenix, AZ for several years before spending much of him and his families time in Littleton, CO. In 2012, he moved to Wichita and continued his career remaining there until his retirement in early 2020. 

Outside of work, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed golfing and traveling, especially trips to the mountains and beaches and visits with friends in Colorado and California. He also loved attending Grateful Dead concerts, experiences that suited his outgoing spirit and love of good company. His ancestry was described as Italian and English, and he carried himself with a warmth and openness that made him easy to know and hard to forget.

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He leaves behind a family circle and many friends who will continue to cherish his kindness, his encouragement, and the lively spirit he brought wherever he went.

Jim will be remembered as the life of the party- friendly, outgoing, and a true social butterfly. He was also deeply helpful and generous, the kind of man who would give someone the shirt off his back to make their day better. Those qualities showed most clearly in the way he cared for the people around him, especially his family.

He was a steady and enthusiastic presence in his children’s lives. He supported their activities in countless practical ways, serving as their taxi driver and taking them to sports, wrestling camps, and Boy Scouts events. He encouraged his children and their friends to wrestle, even when they were reluctant, and he took part in family activities with genuine joy. Some of the memories held most closely are of road trips and RV trips shared with his family through Colorado, Phoenix, California, Nevada, and back to Colorado—times of travel, laughter, and togetherness that remain part of his lasting legacy.

Jim is survived by his sons, James Hambleton and Justin Hambleton; by his daughters-in-law, Chelle Hambleton and Trystan Hambleton; and by his grandchildren, Anakin Hambleton and Addy Hambleton. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Hambleton, and Jeanette Hambleton; by his niece and nephew, David Weber and Samantha Morgan; and by great niece and nephew Kyle and Katie. He leaves behind a family circle and many friends who will continue to cherish his kindness, his encouragement, and the lively spirit he brought wherever he went.

He was preceded in death by his father, Galen Hambleton; his mother, Lydia Hambleton; his sister, Linda Morgan; his brother-in-law, Tom Morgan; and Sally Hambleton, the mother of his sons.

Jim’s memory will live on in the stories shared by family and friends, in the miles traveled together, and in the many lives brightened by his generosity and companionship. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 22nd, 1pm at The Hudson 508 S. Commerce St Wichita, KS 67202.