James L. Strathe (May 8, 1934-Oct 10, 2024), of Parsons, Ks, was called up to play for the ultimate coach on the morning of Oct 10, encircled by family and friends. Jim grew up in Parsons where he played high school sports and was recruited to play basketball and baseball for Wichita State Univ. He played in the Forum while Henry Levitt Arena was being built (later, Koch Arena)  and was part of the first team to play there. Beloved teammates that still gather to tell stories are Cleo Littleton, Glen Boyer, Bob Hodgson, and Jim McNerny. This 1954 team played in Madison Square Garden in the NIT which, at that time, was a highly esteemed tournament, taking teams in the top 40. Other notable accomplishments: bowling a perfect 300 game, a hole-in-one three different times, winning a Pic-Six at the horse races, and being an extra in the movie Gypsy Moths, filmed in Benton, KS. Jim  truly led a charmed life!  His business degree from Wichita U led to many relationships spanning his lifetime such that he rarely went anywhere when he didn't run into one of his friends.

His professional life included recruiting, personnel management, safety, and training at leading companies in Wichita; Christoper Steel, Elmer Fox, HP Computers, and Boeing.  He even found time to referee youth, high school, and college football.  Jim enjoyed playing golf (including on his 90th birthday!), sporting events, and especially family gatherings which always brought him so much joy.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Sylvia (Mosbacher) and his two brothers, Sam and Fred, of Parsons, Ks.  Sylvia and Jim have 5 children: Drs. Kim (Rick) Hartwell, Janet (Dave) Gordon, Susie (Kelly) Seal, and Kristin (Patrick) Freed, (all of Wichita), and Jim (Julie) of Westlake, Tx.  Jim has 11 grandkids: Matthew Hartwell (Janel), Nathan Hartwell (Jaci), Andrea Dold (Scott), Heather Payne (Mason), Jessica Martin (Hunter), Brooke Gardiner (Brandon), Gretchen Stroberg (Scott), Justin Seal, Jordon (Jillian) Ollenberger, Austin Freed, and Natalie Freed.  The starting lineup for the 25 great grandkids is Maryanne, Gabe, Lucy, and Elizabeth Hartwell; Gus, Max, Ana, and Ben Hartwell; Liam, Claire, and Grady Martin; Sarah and Mark Dold; Alex, Gracen and Rosie Gardiner; Lewis, Sylvia, Hank, and Teddy Stroberg; Lily, Caroline, Annie, and Mark Ollenberger.

Jim and Sylvia were married 53 years and relished numerous lifelong friendships with college classmates, siblings, and their congregation at St. Andrews Lutheran Church. They delighted in supporting and attending many of the events of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Jim is survived by one of those life-long friends, Ruth Taylor, whom he married on 2/21/2010.  They shared a love of Colorado, casinos, and companionship. Ruth was a wonderful blessing in his life.

High fives and fist bumps to the incredible personnel that provided the wonderful care for our Dad at Via Christi Village McLean and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. The compassion and love they showed guided us through this difficult time.

Celebration of life will be held in Wichita, Kansas, at Risen Savior Lutheran Church  (6770 E 34th St North) on Friday October 18, 2024 at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Botanica of Wichita, 701 N. Amidon Street, Wichita, Kansas, 67203.