On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, James Pike once again left the earth to soar among the clouds. This time, he needed no parachute—only the wings that carried him home.

James Allen Pike was born on January 15, 1932, in Goddard, Kansas, to Aris and Vera Pike. He and his brother Ross and sister Bonnie spent their childhood in western Sedgwick County and Wichita. Tragically he lost his sister due to illness when she was 4 years old. After graduating from Wichita North High School in 1950, James enlisted in the United States Army and completed paratrooper training. He served proudly with the 187th Airborne Regiment during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he continued his service in the Kansas National Guard until 1971. He then joined the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3. Even after retiring from the Army Reserve in 1985, his dedication to service called him back—he re-enlisted in the Kansas National Guard as a Staff Sergeant, completing his final retirement in 1992. His military career spanned more than four decades, a testament to his loyalty, discipline, and patriotism.

In 1955, he married the love of his life, Elaine Cherry. Together they had three sons, Steve, Jeff, and Scott. James was a devoted father who never hesitated to volunteer as a coach for his sons' sports teams. Whether baseball, basketball, or football, he poured his energy into helping kids grow—not just as athletes, but as teammates and young people. Though he often joked that he wasn't a natural athlete himself, he had a gift for teaching, encouraging, and building confidence in others.

During the 1970s, James ventured into business ownership. Many in the community remember his pride and joy, the Dog and Shake at Kellogg and Bluff. He also owned the Dairy Queen at Lincoln and Poplar and opened additional Dog and Shake locations over the years. Even while juggling full-time jobs, he managed to keep his businesses running through sheer determination and an unwavering work ethic.

Over the course of his life, James held several careers. He worked as an insurance claims adjustor, later becoming a legal investigator for a local law firm. He also retired after working for several years at Raytheon. Yet one job stood out as his true passion—driving tractor-trailers. Outside the military, trucking brought him the greatest joy, and it was the last profession he held before fully retiring.

In his later years, James embraced adventure and travelled with Elaine by his side. They explored the country in their RV, and after selling it, continued their cross-country journeys by car. They made multiple trips to Alaska and, in the 2020s, enjoyed cruises to Europe, Canada, and the Eastern U.S. seaboard. One of his favorite memories was having his

picture taken in New York City with the Statue of Liberty rising behind him. They would spend their Winters Gulf Shores, Alabama, renting vacation homes on the beach.

For his 90th birthday, James returned to the thrill of his youth and jumped from an airplane once more—a family event shared with his son Scott and grandson Daniel. When he touched down, the joy on his face said everything. It was one of the happiest moments of his later life.

James is survived by his wife Elaine; sons Steve of Ocala, Florida, Jeff (Shari) of Sedgwick, KS, and Scott (Jodee) of Rockwall, TX; and his brother Ross of Bryan, TX. He leaves behind nine grandchildren—Jonathan (Tabitha) Pike of Royse City, TX; Matthew Pike of Wichita; Daniel Pike of Wichita; Connor (Shannon) Pike of Wichita; Zachary Pike of Boynton Beach, Florida; Allyson New of Dade City, FL. James is also survived by nine great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister.

James lived a life defined by service, hard work, adventure, and love for his family. His legacy will continue to soar in the hearts of all who knew him.