James "Jim" G. Hulsey

James “Jim” G. Hulsey, 77, of Howard, KS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS. Jim had worked as a welder, cowboy, and ranch hand.

Jim was born on September 16, 1945, in Newton, KS, the son of Strozier Albin and Lavina May (Dillon) Hulsey.  He graduated from Galva High School in 1963.  On March 9, 1966, Jim was united in  marriage to Penny Lin Helgeson in Galva, KS.  She preceded him in death on February 10, 2016. 

Survivors include: two daughters, Sonya Allen (Scott) of Lawrence, KS and Patti Javener (Andy) of Topeka, KS; a brother, Tommy Hulsey (Pam) of McPherson, KS; five grandchildren, Danielle Cowan (Kim), Abbi Hess, Darian Hess, Avery Allen, and Katie Allen; one great-granddaughter, Ava Rose Hess; sisters-in-law, Sandra Blair (Bill) of Galva, KS, Anita Walters (Steve) of Galva, KS,  and Debbie Hulsey of McPherson, KS; brother-in-law, Brian Helgeson (Gina) of Canton, KS; and many extended family & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Cory Hess; sister, Janice Holbert; and a brother, Robert Hulsey.

Jim was a generous and caring person.  He loved his family as well as a great number of friends.  For Jim, there wasn’t a line between friends and family.  Once he made a friend, they were family, and he’d do anything for them.  He had a sincere interest in helping younger cowboys, passing on his years of wisdom to the next generation in a profession he truly loved.  He also loved his community, helping organize and participate in community dinners with Brad and Greg in Longton, and fundraisers for those in need, including children’s school activities. He was asked to contribute his cooking skills to many weddings, anniversaries and other joyous events.  When he and Penny moved to the Howard area, they began organizing an annual “shindig” for family, friends and neighbors, stirring his famous pot of beans on the fire with a hoe.  Over the years, this became an annual Hulsey family reunion at his nephew Delton’s house in Rose Hill.  Many cups of coffee were shared around the fire in the mornings. 

He loved fishing.  Years ago, he fished the Smoky Hill River with his brother- in-law Brian and good buddy Dick, with multiple families including grandparents and friends, camping and cooking over a wood fire.  He created great memories from those times.  In his new-found home near Howard, he fished many ponds with friends, his kids and grandkids.  His last fishing trip to top all fishing trips was to Canada with a group of guys that went up there as friends and came home as brothers.  He wasn’t feeling his best but was determined to cross this off his “bucket list”, and with the help and generosity of those who accompanied him, he did it in style!

On his last day on this Earth, he was surrounded by his kids and grandkids.  He was able to listen to everyone sharing stories and smile at the memories with all of them.  We know he touched many lives and so many will miss his amazing smile.  Rest easy, cowboy.  You’ve earned your time in greener pastures.  Have a big steak and a Coors Original with Penny and give her our love when you’re with her again.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, October 14, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson.  The funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 15, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jon Black officiating.  Burial will follow at Empire Cemetery, Galva.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior Project in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.