James Earl Ramsey

James E. Ramsey, 91, passed away peacefully at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas, on Tuesday afternoon, January 27, 2026. Jim was known for his sense of humor and storytelling, his tinkering skills, and his devotion to family, church, and community.

Jim was born July 26, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas, and was adopted on April 4, 1935 by his parents Fred and Gertrude Ramsey. He graduated from Wichita East High School, then completed a degree from the University of Wichita in 1956. On December 21, 1956, Jim married Sharolyn Ramsey. He became a captain in the U.S. Army before beginning his teaching career in Douglass, Kansas. He soon moved on to the Mulvane School District and dedicated many years to working with students before retiring in 1994. He continued to substitute for several more years. Jim was always one to stay busy. In addition to his many extra-curricular school jobs, bus driving, and summer jobs, he was a member of Mulvane Christian Church and later Hillside Christian Church, as well as a member of Mulvane’s Square Dance Club and Camping Club.

On February 6, 2003, Sharolyn preceded Jim in death. He later married Phyllis Werneke on June 9, 2007, moved to Derby, and became a passionate cat dad. He became known as “Jim the Bike Man” when he began collecting used bikes, restoring them, then donating them to The Center of Hope, Hillside Christian Church, and whoever needed them.

Jim is survived by his wife Phyllis; his children Les (Mary) Ramsey and Beverly (John) Mitchelson, and stepson Kurt (Karen) Werneke; his grandchildren Brendan (Rachel) Mitchelson, Chelsea Ramsey, Michael (Jenna) Mitchelson, Stuart (Kaylee) Mitchelson, and Kelsey (Brian) Jaeger; his step-grandchildren Claire (JJ) Crail and Ben (Katie) Werneke; great grandchildren James Mitchelson and Harvey Mitchelson; great step-grandchildren Grace Crail and Henry Crail.

In addition to Sharolyn, he was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Norma (Jim) Richmond.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, in Wichita at Hillside Christian Church, 8330 E Douglas Ave. Ashes will be interred at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hillside Christian Church Food Pantry or The Center of Hope.

To view a livestream of Jim's services, go to:

https://www.youtube.com/@hillsidechristianchurchwic8376/streams?app=desktop