James Michael "Jim" Houser

James Michael "Jim" Houser

James Michael "Jim" Houser, age 67, resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., died Friday, Oct. 14, at his home, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Kansas City, Mo., the son of John and Dorothy Rudder Houser. He grew up in Roeland Park, Kan., and spent his summers on the farm in Devon, Kan. He graduated from Bishop Miege High School in 1967. Jim attended Donnelly College and Pittsburg State University. He served in the Army National Guard. He married Karen Cansler on Aug. 22, 1975, in Mission, Kan. He worked for Bourbon County road and bridge for 16 years, retiring in 2013. Jim enjoyed playing baseball and listening to music. His greatest love was his farm and cattle operation and his many friends. He was a member of the Centerville Cemetery Association, Knights of Columbus, and Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife Karen of the home; a son, Neil Houser and wife April, Fort Scott; a daughter, Shannon Houser-Johnson and husband Brandon Johnson, Kansas City, Mo.; two sisters, Meredith McMichael and husband Jim, Mapleton, Kan., and Michelle Larson and husband Chris, Palm Springs, Calif.; five grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Father Robert Wachter conducted the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Burial followed in the Centerville Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to either Mary Queen of Angels Church or ALS Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com