James F White

James F. “Jim” White, a dedicated craftsman and cherished member of several communities, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026 at The University of Kansas Health System Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas. He was eighty-eight years old.

Born on February 19, 1938, in rural Alta Vista, Kansas, James Frederick White was the eldest son of Thomas and Mayme (Fink) White. A graduate of Alta Vista High School, class of 1957, Jim chose a life of skilled labor, mastering the trades of welding and blacksmithing. His profound commitment to his craft would define much of his professional life and geographic journey across numerous states.

In 1958, Jim married Janice Smith, with whom he had two children: Gene and Jewel. Over the years, his welding career took him to various towns across Kansas, including Emporia, Wamego, and Topeka. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase a blacksmith shop in Ottawa, Kansas, which he operated for many years. Following his divorce from Janice, he married Karen (Cowdin) Cromwell, and they had a daughter named Lori.

Jim’s career was marked by his moves to different locales where he continued his passion for welding and blacksmithing. He relocated to Hunter, Oklahoma, after his divorce from Karen, where he ran a welding and blacksmith shop. Later, he moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, operating a shop in a tourist area, and subsequently to Grapevine, Texas, where he combined his shop with a tourist-oriented business. His later years as a tradesman also saw him owning a shop in Mansfield, Texas. Eventually, Jim settled in Richmond, Kansas upon retirement, though he maintained his shop’s operation until ultimately moving to Olathe, Kansas.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man of varied interests and extensive community involvement. He was an active member of the Army National Guard, a proud Eagle Scout, and participated in multiple clubs that reflected his passions, including Antique Auto Clubs and Blacksmithing Clubs. He was a frequent church attendee, most often at Baptist congregations, and participated in fraternal organizations such as the Eagles and Elks Lodge. Demonstrating his civic commitment, he served as the chief of the volunteer fire department in Hunter, Oklahoma. Jim was also a private pilot and credited as a founding father of the Williamsburg-Ottawa Wildlife Conservation Club, underscoring his lifelong love for the outdoors.

Jim’s love for antique cars and the natural world brought him joy throughout his life and connected him with many who shared his interests and values.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mayme White; two brothers, Tom and Weldon White; his sister, Mayme “Dollie” Wright; and his daughter, Jewel Gleason.

James is survived by his son, Gene White and his wife Becky; his daughter, Lori White; six grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. Their presence stands as a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.

Cremation has been planned, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor the memory of Jim White and the many contributions he made to his family and communities. His life was marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a commitment to the communities he cherished. He will be remembered with respect and admiration by all who knew him.

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