James William Fields

James William “Bill” Fields passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. He wished to transfer his membership from Zion Lutheran Church, Independence, Kansas to his Father’s Heavenly Kingdom.

He was born on January 21, 1929 at his parent’s farm southwest of Buxton, KS. James’ parents were Samuel Loren and Bessie Fields. They preceded him in death. He also had two older sisters, Lorena and Peggy who preceded him in death. James has a younger brother Clarence living in California and a younger sister Mary Ellen who lives in Wichita.

His schooling was in a one room school of grades one to eight at Fairview, Buxton and Steele schools and Fredonia High School.

On July 31, 1948, he married his sweetheart neighbor, Sibyl Showers. She preceded him in death. They had two sons, Gary born in Cozad, NE in 1950 and Mart born in Fredonia in 1954 and daughter Cathy Anne adopted 1968. They also took in 56 foster children to their home, most for long term. Gary was a construction engineer working on major construction projects for the Southern Nevada water authority Las Vegas, NV and his wife Sherry was a teacher for Clark County, NV. They have one son, Ryan, and their grandson Rhyker. Both reside in McPherson.  Mart is an aeronautical engineer; however, he has his own business and travels all over the United States. Mart’s wife, Nancy, works at City Blue Print in Wichita and they have one son, Josh. Cathy is retired from Spirt where she lives with her husband in Mulvane Ks

James worked for W.J. Small in Nebraska and Arizona, Cooks Tire Shop in Fredonia, KS, and went into business with his brother-in-law of Neodesha, KS. He also worked many years in the school systems where Sibyl was a teacher. This school teaching took them 23 years into New Mexico where Sibyl taught at Grants, Lovington, and Gallup NM. While at Gallup they lived, worked and taught on the Navajo Reservation at Tohatchi, Thoreau and Crownpoint. This was for the Gallop school district. While at Tohatchi they reopened the Navajo Lutheran Church at Navajo and oversaw the church for two years working as missionaries.

James’ impact on children’s lives was immeasurable. He was an extraordinary individual whose vast knowledge, guidance, and love of life changed the course of many a child; both on the Reservation and his home. James many years in church and mission work on the Navajo Reservation, in the four corner area, were a testament to his resilience, personal responsibility and the triumph of spirit. He had many fantastic friends on the Reservation. His faith in humanity gave him a unique and inspirational outlook on life.

He would say “life is a journey” with many different avenues to take! It has been an amazing journey.

Graveside services will be held at the Neodesha Cemetery on Thursday, March 14^th at 1:00 pm with Pastor Kevin Peterson officiating. Memorial contributions can be made in James’ name to Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, Kansas. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.loranfawcettchapel.com.