James A. “Jim” Gerdes, 85, of Altamont, passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at his home.
James Arthur Gerdes was born on August 8, 1938, at home (1306 Roosevelt) in Coffeyville, Kansas, to James C. and Inez Mae (Kriebel) Gerdes. He grew up and attended schools in Parsons; Stillwater, Oklahoma; Corpus Christi, Texas; National City, California; and Wilmington, Illinois. In 1958, he graduated from Parsons High School. He earned an Associates degree from Parsons Junior College in 1960 and a Bachelor of Arts in history and chemistry from Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University) in 1962. He continued his education and earned a Master of Science in Community and College Education from Pittsburg State University in 1989. An excellent student, Jim was recognized as a “Fulbright Scholar" in 1982 and by National Honor Society in 1989.
In 1963, Jim began working as an Aerospace Engineer for Cessna Aircraft Company Chemistry Lab. After receiving a certification, Jim collected data for engineering analysis by studying vibrations of in-flight aircraft. From 1970 to 1971, Jim worked in the explosives laboratory for Day & Zimmerman at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant. He then went back to school to earn his teaching credentials and completed his professional term at Neodesha High School with an excellent teacher, Ned Thayer.
In 1973, Jim was hired by Labette County High School to teach International Relations because of his second language skills. Over the next 30 years, Jim taught Constitution, U.S. Government, Ancient History, Geography, Sociology, and Modern Laboratory Science. After teaching many of the young people in Labette County, Jim retired in 2004.
Jim entered into God’s Kingdom on July 3, 1955. He was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Parsons, by Rev. John E. Schwensen.
On August 28, 1965, Jim and Kathleen Sue Beaty were united in marriage at the Central Avenue Christian Church in Parsons. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include:
Two sons - Kevin Gerdes of Altamont, Kansas
James E. Gerdes and his wife, Kari, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
One daughter – Sarah Bolin of Altamont, Kansas
Two grandchildren – Hannah Gerdes and Nicholas Bolin
One great-grandson
One brother – William Gerdes of Parsons, Kansas
One sister – Carol Hill and her husband, Chuck, of Stark, Kansas
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gary Gerdes.
The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Altamont. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.
Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshofffman.com.
