James L. Dees, 77, died June 4, 2014, at Thorne Care Center. He was born Nov. 1, 1936, in Milo, Mo., to Charlie R. and Rosie (Foreman) Dees.

James lived in Manhattan, McPherson, and Hutchinson. He received his Associates in Art in 2012 from Hutchinson Community College. He worked for List & Clark Construction Company, Farmers Alliance Insurance Company in McPherson, owned Reno Auto Salvage, and owned Sunflower Mowing Inc. James was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. On June 22, 1957, he married Patricia A. Whitney in Manhattan. They later divorced. James is survived by children, Jeff Dees and wife Darlene of McPherson, Rebecca Sladky of Evansville, Ind., Brian Dees and wife Cindy of Burrton, Laura Hatcher and husband Jerry of Hutchinson; sister, Joanne Spain of Wamego; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Raymond Stephenson; sister, Phyllis "Maxine" Gordon.

Rosary will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2014, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2014, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchison, with Father Ned Blick officiating. Graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2014, at St. George Cemetery, St. George, Kan. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, with family present from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities of Wichita or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.