James “Jim” Samuel Detwiler, 76, passed away in his home on March 26th, 2024, in Valley Center, Kansas. He was born April 8, 1947, in Pratt, Kansas, to Homer Clifford Detwiler and Martha Faye (Pinkston) Detwiler. His father passed away when Jim was young, so he started working at the age of 14 to help provide for his family. He graduated from Pratt High School in 1965. He would then meet his wife of 55 years, Candace “Candy” Marie Harzman. They were married on August 31, 1968.
Jim started his work life as a meat butcher. Later, he would find his niche in landscaping. Jim owned a landscaping business for many years and later retired from ground maintenance for the Valley Center School District. His legacy will live on with all he did to make the world a prettier place to live in. Jim did not know a stranger and would often strike up conversations revolving around three things: His family, especially his grandchildren, his Minnesota fishing trips, and anything and everything landscaping.
He is survived by his wife, Candy; daughter Jami Dessenberger (Joe) of Valley Center, Kansas, granddaughter Miranda Keith (Zakery) of Merriam, Kansas and grandson, Joshua Dessenberger of Valley Center, Kansas; his brother John Detwiler (Karen) of Pratt, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews and their children, family, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Homer Detwiler, Charles Detwiler, and Donald Detwiler, half-brother Clifford Detwiler, sisters Mary Turner and Diana Brensing, and half-sisters Midge Adams and Regena Shaver.
A private graveside service will be held on April 1st at Union Center Cemetery in Alva, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been designated to help provide landscaping for the new Valley Center Recreation & Aquatic Center. Donations can be made to GoFundMe at following link: https://gofund.me/cb6e0037
Baker Funeral Home Valley Center is handling arrangements.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.