James “J.E.” Ervin Stithem, 79, of Haysville, KS, passed away on February 2, 2022 after a heart attack. James was born on February 25, 1942 to Charles Manley and Elsie Manley in London, Arkansas. He graduated from Wichita High School in Kansas and went on to be a machinist in the aerospace industry. In 1967 he met Patricia Ann Lowe Stithem and they were married April 6, 1968. They went on to have three children, James Lee Stithem (49), Melissa Ann Meadows Edgar (Chad) (46), and Elecia Dawn Chadwick Morgan (44). J.E. enjoyed his church, working at Lowe’s, and volunteering at the Bread of Life Food Ministries. At church, J.E. could be heard reading poems he wrote and edifying other members. At Lowe’s, J.E. was known for his friendly attitude, expertise, and ability to jimmy rig any handyman project. At Bread of Life, J.E. ran the forklift, joked with the other volunteers, and found a way to give back to his community while praising his God.

J.E. was preceded in death by his brother Charles Stithem, his father James Stithem and mother Elsie Ray Stithem. He is survived by his wife and three children, his sisters Molly Wilson and Jody Barnett and nine grandchildren – Rebekah Ann Stithem (28), Kimberly Dawn Meadows (23), Hope Ranee’ Meadows (21), Madison Ann Chadwick (20), David Lee Meadows (19), Melody Allison Chadwick (18), Xavier Draven Edgar (16), Lia Michele Morgan (16), Alexis Ann Edgar (14).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bread of Life.