John E. (Jim) Burkdoll

John E. (Jim) Burkdoll, age 86, of Rantoul, Kansas, died on Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Johns Medical center, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born in January 26, 1930 in rural Lane, Kansas; the son of John W. Burkdoll and Flossie Mae (Hopwood) Burkdoll. Jim was a lifelong Franklin County resident, graduating from Lane High School with the class of 1948. He was a lifelong farmer and rancher. He also co-owned Cherokee Coal Company with his brother Lloyd for many years. He loved to fly, receiving his Pilot's license at the age of 16. Jim was a very active member of his community. He helped build the bleachers for the Princeton ballfields. He loved to give plane rides, and co-owned a 1929 Ford tri-motor plane with Chuck LeMaster. But his favorite thing to do was to be with family and friends sharing stories and barbequing with his grandkids around. Family was an important part of his life. On July 29, 1949, Jim was united in marriage with Virginia Lee Vaughn at Ozark, Arkansas. They enjoyed over 50 years of loving marriage until Virginia passed away in August 2000. He is also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jeanie Burkdoll; sister, Betty Jean Kimball; and brother, Lloyd Burkdoll. Jim is survived by four children, Connie Burkdoll - Harris and her husband, John, Edmond, OK, Sherry Burkdoll-Meeder and her husband, Bob, of Overland Park, KS, Larry Burkdoll and his wife, Sabrina, of Princeton, KS, Janie Burkdoll of Rantoul, KS; thirteen grandchildren, Kelly Bright, Traci Shulz, Christi Moore, Josh Harris, Doug Chambers, Jennifer Cahow, David Burkdoll, John Wiederholt, Andrea Wiederholt, Brandon Wiederholt, Cody McCarty, Colton McCarty, Amber Linderman; seven great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2016, at Lamb-Roberts Funeral, Ottawa. Burial will follow at Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, KS. The family suggests memorials to Princeton Recreation Fund sent c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, Kansas. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John E. (Jim) Burkdoll please visit our Sympathy Store.

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